Today’s Lesson: Thor: The Almost Dark
World – I’ve seen Thor: The Dark World twice in theatres
and I enjoyed it the first time; but it gets better upon second viewing. This
is a surprisingly layered film and most
scenes, dialogue, and shots have a reason for being. I qualify “most” because Thor: The Dark World has some pretty severe
tonal issues. Some of the failures of the film are its attempts for broad
comedy; comedy should come from a natural place not a forced jokey place. A lot
of reviews have pointed to Kat Denning’s character Darcy as being the main comedic
issue; however, I thoroughly enjoy what she brings to the film. The issue for
me is Stellan Skarsgard’s Dr. Eric Selvig, a character that has vital
information and serves a purpose yet is constantly and continuously played for
comedy even when a more dramatic moment is needed. Come on man, just put your
pants on. Although Thor: The Dark World
tires for some darker themes these overtly failed comedic tones cause it to never
quite reaches the darkness referenced in the title.
On
the whole this movie really works, director Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones, Mad Men, The Sopranos) understands that he’s a
part of a much bigger story and still makes this film completely stand on its
own; not shocking as he’s coming from a TV background. Taylor also plays well
in the visual style set up by Thor
and the other Marvel Cinematic Universe films, while at the same time exploring
Asgard, and the other planets of the 9 realms deeper than in previous films.
What
started out to be a troubled script ends up with a very strong core, saved in
part by script doctor and series over lord Joss Wedon. Focusing on Thor (Chris
Hemsworth) and his relationships with his girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie
Portman), his father Oden (Anthony Hopkins), and most interestingly his brother
Loki (Tom Hiddleston) Thor: The Dark
World never loses its way, even though it has plenty of chances to.
The
film kicks into high gear when Loki becomes a full participant. Hiddleston
steals every moment of screen time he has, making Loki flawlessly evil, kind,
and brilliant at every turn. It’s not that the other actors in the film are bad;
in fact quite the opposite, everyone in this film is on top of their game. It’s
just that Hiddleston goes so far above and beyond that his performance can only
be called awards worthy. In terms of acting awards and acting recognition
blockbuster, mainstream, popular films are more often than not over looked. Nevertheless,
there are actors that give amazing performances and bring their characters to life
with such vivid realism, brutal honestly, and insane charisma that they are
burned into the pop culture stream of consciousness. Does anyone know off the
top of their head who won best supporting actor of 1977? No. But, most people
could tell you who Darth Vader is and who voiced the iconic character.
Hiddleston’s Loki is a character that will stand the pop culture test of time. Even
though this is a packed year for male acting performances Hiddleston deserves
to be talked about with the best of the best, if no other reason then he turned
the villain of the piece into the most beloved character.
Thor: The Dark World is not a perfect film, but it is a great addition to
the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a very fun trip to movies.
For
those who are curious, the best supporting actor of 1977 was Jason Robards for
playing Dashiell Hammett in Julia and
Darth Vader is voiced by James Earl Jones.
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