Beyond the TARDIS Thor: The Dark World by Katie Brock

If there’s something I love more than Doctor Who and Torchwood, it’s the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Thor: The Dark World is the second instalment of movies that follow Chris Hemsworth’s Thor, God of Thunder, now an Avenger, as he saves the world from something dangerous-slash-evil. This time, it’s NOT his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) - although Loki does play a prominent role in this movie, as a criminal for his actions in New York.

We are re-introduced to scientists Eric Selvig and Jane Foster (Stellan Skarsgard and Natalie Portman), as well as Darcy (Kat Dennings), who are in London to investigate something…well, odd. Following the aftermath of Avengers Assemble (2012), Jane hasn’t seen Thor, so the viewer is left to follow Jane and Darcy to London on a scientific discovery. They discover what is known as The Aether. Obviously alien, it’s created portals that can make objects appear and reappear, it’s dangerous, but it doesn’t stop them having fun (well Darcy and her intern anyway….when she throws his shoe in..)

It’s not until Thor turns up that we find out that the discovery is linked to Asgard’s history, and the war between the Asgardians and the Dark Elves of Svartalheim. The Dark Elves were led by Malekith, who in the film, is played by Ninth Doctor himself, Christopher Eccleston…although it’s very hard to recognise him under all the prosthetics! There is still a slight resemblance though!

With Loki in a cage, all he can do is sit and watch the carnage going on in front of him. But, being the trickster God, it isn’t long before he finds a way out to help Thor stand against Malekith. Eccleston is very good at playing evil, especially opposite Loki, who is clearly one of the more popular antagonists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

I personally prefer the first Thor film to The Dark World, but there are definitely moments that stand out in the second one. The main one for me, is Frigga’s sacrifice. Not only was it heart-breaking, but the repercussions from Malekith killing her, have an effect on Thor’s actions for the rest of the movie.

Overall, I do like the mix of characters that we get in the Thor films- from Sif and the Warriors Three (Fandral now re-cast from Josh Dallas to Zachary Levi), and Heimdell (Idris Elba), to a cameo by Captain America himself, the cast always make the story exciting- even if there are moments that feel like they are lacking.

Good conquers evil, the dark Elves are banished, Loki dies (again), and Thor heads on a quest to discover something about ‘Infinity Stones’ (our second link to Avengers: Infinity War- 2018).

It’s a good film, it felt like stepping back on Asgard having not been away as each of the actors settled back into their roles flawlessly. So grab Molnjir, don your cape, and give the film a go! It may not have the worthiness of the first film, but it’s definitely a great part of the Avengers universe.