Film Review: Thor: The Dark World

Thor: The Dark World is an entertaining follow-up to 2011’s Thor. The film boasts the same blend of action and comedy that seems to be a hallmark of the Marvel franchise of superhero movies.

Thor is on his way to becoming ruler of Asgard, Thor is successfully bringing peace to the Nine Reams. Faced with an ancient and perilous enemy however, Thor must reunite with Jane Foster to overcome the evil that threatens the universe…

Alan Taylor’s Thor: The Dark World has the look and feel of a modern Marvel superhero film. And as such, the film should appeal to fans of the success franchise. The sequel ticks the boxes in terms of entertainment, although there does at times feel as if there is something missing.

The only issue with Thor: The Dark World is that it is almost going through the motions. It is as if Marvel have happened on a winning formula, so superhero films are churned out periodically following this blueprint. On the one hand the films are entertaining, but on the other they lack a bit of originality to really give them a spark.

The narrative of Thor: The Dark World works well to generate sufficient tension, excitement and humour. There is a bit of a lull in proceedings towards the end of the first half, but the films recovers well. Action sequences are big and effects are great.

Chris Hemsworth reprises his role well. There is a particularly gratuitous shot of him which feels cheap. It is Tom Hiddleston as Loki, however, who steals every scene that he is in. The reason why the film is appealing is in large part due to Hiddleston’s performance.

Thor: The Dark World is certainly an enjoyable watch. Hopefully the next film in the franchise will offer more of an individual stamp.

Stuff To Look At

A profusion of film-related goodness, including clips from Runner Runner and The Counsellor, trailers for Saving Mr Banks and The Monuments Men, and Loki…

Runner Runner

New Batman Ben Affleck shows a dark side in the above clip from upcoming crime thriller Runner Runner. This is why crocodiles are a bad idea generally. Runner Runner hits UK screens on 27th September 2013.

Nebraska

Nebraska is director Alexander Payne’s latest. Starring Bruce Dern and Will Forte, Nebraska is a father and son road movie. The film is being screened at the BFI London Film Festival in October and is on general release from 6th December 2013.

The Railway Man

Here is the trailer for period drama The Railway Man. Starring Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, the film is based on Eric Lomax’s memoirs. The Railway Man is released in the UK on 3rd January 2013.

We Are What We Are

We Are What We Are is a remake of the 2010 Mexican film of the same name. It has one of those settings that feel disconcerting. We Are What We Are is out in cinemas on 25th October 2013.

The Monuments Men

The Monuments Men reunites George Clooney and Matt Damon as members of a World War II platoon tasked with rescuing masterpieces from Nazi thieves. The film also stars Bill Murray and Cate Blanchett. The Monuments Men is due for release on 9th January 2014.

Thor The Dark World

Loki! Let’s just be honest; he is the real reason everyone wants to see Thor The Dark World. That look on Loki’s face – so determined. Sequel Thor The Dark World is released in UK cinemas on 30th October 2013.

The Counsellor

The hair in the above clip is something else. In fact, Javier Bardem’s whole look is something else. With an all-star cast including Michael Fassbender, Cameron Diaz and Brad Pitt, The Counsellor hits UK screens on 15th November 2013.

Ender’s Game

Ender’s Game is based on the best-selling novel of the same name. Starring Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley, the film is set in a dystopian future. Ender’s Game is released on 25th October 2013 and there’s a trip to NASA to be won here.

Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

The sequel everyone has been waiting for! Above is San Diego’s finest newsman Ron Burgundy delivering the news on the Goodwood revival. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues hits UK screens on 20th December 2013. What a Christmas treat.

Saving Mr Banks

Here is the first trailer for Saving Mr Banks. The film tells the story of how Walt Disney brought Mary Poppins to the big screen. Saving Mr Banks is closing the London Film Festival on 20th October 2013 and is out on general release on 29th November 2013.

RoboCop

Nothing is going to match the perfection of the director’s cut of 1987’s  RoboCop. Nothing. However this new version features Michael Keaton, so it gets plus points for this alone. RoboCop is due for release on 7th February 2014.

Mandela Long Walk To Freedom

Idris Elba and Naomie Harris star in biopic Mandela Long Walk To Freedom. The film is released on 3rd January 2013; ripe for awards season. Let’s see how it fares.

Stuff To Look At

A treasure trove of film stuff, including the latest Thor: The Dark World trailer, Muppets Most Wanted and more…

Thor: The Dark World

Here is the new Thor: The Dark World trailer. It looks as if it will bring the same blend of action and comedy as its predecessor and Avengers Assemble. Thor: The Dark World is set for release in UK cinemas on 30th October 2013.

Muppets Most Wanted

The teaser trailer for Muppets Most Wanted (formerly known as The Muppets… Again) was released this week. There are plenty of celebrity appearances it seems, with Ricky Gervais taking the human lead. Muppets Most Wanted is due for release in Spring 2014.

Upstream Colour

I have seen Shane Carruth’s Upstream Colour and can report it is well worth the watch. The film is rather abstract, but is absorbing viewing. Upstream Colour is released in UK cinemas on 30th August 2013.

Blue Jasmine

Here is the trailer for Woody Allen’s latest, Blue Jasmine. Set in San Francisco, the film features Cate Blanchett, Sally Hawkins and Alec Baldwin. From the trailer alone, it looks as if Blanchett will be fantastic. Blue Jasmine is released in UK cinemas on 27th September 2013.

We’re The Millers

Here is a featurette on We’re The Millers, the new comedy starring Jason Sudeikis and Jennifer Aniston. From previously trailers, the film looks as if it could be pretty funny. We’re The Millers is released in the UK on 23rd August 2013.

Stuff To Look At

The post in which I wax lyrical about new movie trailers. And inform you of the films set for release this summer. And get annoyed when I find out film characters share my name. The audacity…

Summer of Cinema 2013

Two weeks ago I went to the launch of ‘Summer of Cinema 2013’ to hear about upcoming releases and enjoy a mini burger (I love miniature food). There is lots to see this summer, from the big blockbusters (Man of Steel, Star Trek Into Darkness) to films by Robert Redford and Sofia Coppola. Check out the compilation above.

Epic

Epic has a rather impressive cast voicing its characters. Among others, Colin Farrell, Amanda Seyfried and Christoph Waltz lend their voices. Beyonce voices a character called ‘Princess Tara’. Contrary to popular belief, this is not actually by nickname. Although I am not happy about the use of my name, I will reserve judgement until I see how this character plays out. Epic is released is UK cinemas on 22nd May 2013.

Much Ado About Nothing

A departure from vampires and superheroes, Joss Whedon directs a contemporary update of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in twelve days and starring some of Whedon’s previous collaborators, the film is a far cry from the filmmaker’s recent output. I am looking forward to this foray into Shakespeare; it will be interesting to see if Whedon can handle it as well as he does big-budget comic book fare. Much Ado About Nothing is released on 14th June 2013.

The Seasoning House

Well, The Seasoning House is certainly not about the abode of spices. This revenge thriller looks pretty brutal. The Seasoning House is the directorial debut of special effects designer Paul Hyett. The film is out in cinemas on 21st June 2013.

In Fear

This trailer is almost haunting. It’s definitely the music. In Fear is a British horror film starring Alice Englert. It looks like a warning never ever to go on a car journey, and not just because they make you feel a bit queasy. Perhaps this is just me. In Fear is due for release in Autumn 2013.

Byzantium

Neil Jordan knows vampires. That’s why I am looking forward to Byzantium, unlike some other recent vampire flicks *cough Twilight cough*. Starring Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan, Byzantium is released in UK cinemas on 31st May 2013.

Thor: The Dark World

For the first minute-plus of this trailer I must have been in the majority of people thinking ‘yeah, but where the hell is Loki? I know Tom Hiddleston is in this film’. Looking rather bedraggled, Avenger Assemble‘s fantastic antagonist finally makes an appearance. Thor: The Dark World hits the big screen in the UK on 30th October 2013.

Stuff To Look At

Well-known characters dominate this week’s round-up…

Thor: The Dark World

Just before Iron Man 3 hits cinema screens, the first poster for Thor: The Dark World has been revealed. The film reunites Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins and Natalie Portman. Thor: The Dark World is due for release on 30th October 2013.

Man of Steel

Here is the latest trailer for Man of Steel, one of the most anticipated movies of the summer. Can writers David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan once again weave their magic in a re-telling of DC Comics legend? We will see when the Zack Snyder-directed Man of Steel is released on 14th June 2013.

The Great Gatsby

The soundtrack has been one of the most talked about aspects of The Great Gatsby. Above is a sampler of some of the tracks used in the film. A mixture of covers of well-known songs and samples music from the era the film is set. What else would to expect from Baz Luhrmann? The Great Gatsby is released on 16th May 2013.

The Lone Ranger

Here is the latest trailer for The Lone Ranger. Despite being the sidekick to the title character, it looks as if Johnny Depp’s Tonto may steal the show. The Lone Ranger hits UK screens on 9th August 2013.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The second instalment in The Hunger Games trilogy has a first trailer. Catching Fire has a lot to live up to after the huge success of last year’s The Hunger Games. Jennifer Lawrence reprises her role in The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, which is due for release on 22nd November 2013.

R.I.P.D.

A new action fantasy, R.I.P.D. looks like it could be a lot of fun. The film stars Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges as two undead cops tasked with protecting the world from those who refuse to move to the other side. R.I.P.D. hits UK cinemas on 30th August 2013.