Thor: The Dark World - B

Rated PG-13, 111 minutes

Entertaining "Thor: The Dark World" busy but rarely dull

Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman

"Thor: The Dark World" is the sequel to the 2011 hit "Thor" and continues the adventures of the Marvel/Stan Lee character also featured in last year's "The Avengers." Entertaining, slick and busily filled with CG special effects, it has a new director and a new video game tone that should make it a big hit even if you're not a comic book enthusiast. In this outing, Thor (Chris Hemsworth) battles some evil Dark Elves led by Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) who have been awakened more powerful after being banished into the depths of space by Thor's grandfather and who are threatening to plunge the universe into darkness. Scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) has been thrust in the middle of the action once again and may hold the key to Thor's survival, which is now dependent on working with his adoptive brother and chief nemesis, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). "Thor: The Dark World" is a fast-paced superhero action film that often sacrifices character and plotting for loads of special effects, but you won't find yourself bored, even if it's not as good as the first "Thor" installment. This may be due to the fact that TV director Alan Taylor takes over the directing duties this time from Kenneth Branagh, who helmed the first film with aplomb. Still, moves along well and doesn't disappoint with some well-placed energy, but the story and romance are weaker and suffers from the excessive, albeit sublime visuals which fill the film from start to finish. Hiddleston, who is the most interesting superhero villain to come along in some time, is given less to do here but is still the most memorable of the large cast, many of whom, including Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Kat Dennings and Stellan Skarsgard, reprise their roles from the first film."2 Broke Girls" Dennings in particular gives this some much needed comic energy that saves it from taking itself a little too seriously while Hemsworth earnestly broods just fine as the titular character, hopefully pleasing fan boys and non-Marvel fans alike. "Thor: The Dark World" plays like "Thor: The Video Game" peppered with a little bit of "Star Trek" and it's not as dark as it could've been, but enjoyable nonetheless. Watch for an amusing cameo from Captain America mid-movie and don't forget to stay for a couple of additional post-credits scenes which may add insight to the next "Thor" installment.

Wes's Grade: B