Thor: The Dark World
You should know by now that I’m no big fan of comic book heroes ported to the big screen (exceptions: The Dark Knight and The Avengers) and this second Thor big-screen adventure gave me endless headaches as I tried to figure out what was going on. Yes, I watched the first Thor but, without any comic book cheat sheets in front of me, I got lost and confused right off the bat — it took far too long to understand the deal with the Dark World and Malekith and the Aeather. But even after that light bulb went off over my head, I had other issues with the film. To wit: 1) What’s with Natalie Portman? Her acting here is pretty wooden — we understand there were creative issues between Portman and the filmmakers and, because of her contract, she reluctantly took part in the production. But still, when all is said and done, she’s not love interest material — she has no sex appeal. But Chris Hemsworth, on the other hand … 2) This film gives elves a bad name. 3) There’s drop-dead obnoxious “comedy relief” with Kat Dennings and Stellan Skarsgård; how could the talented Swedish actor stoop so low as to run around in his underwear? 4) And please, what’s with Algrim/Kurse? In the end, of course, it’s all about Thor saving the universe from the vengeful Malekith who returns to plunge everything back into darkness — and about the battle scenes and fights. Oh well. Extras: Extended and deleted scenes; gag reel; exclusive look at “Marvel’s Captain America: The Winter Soldier”; “A Brothers’ Journey: Thor & Loki”; “Scoring Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World With Brian Tyler”; commentary with director Alan Taylor, producer Kevin Feige, actor Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau; more. Vitals: Director: Alan Taylor. Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Jaimie Alexander, Zachary Levi, Ray Stevenson, Tadanobu Asano, Idris Elba, Rene Russo, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgard, Alice Krige. 2013, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 111 min., Action-Adventure, Box office gross: $200.766 million, Disney. 
