Thor: The Dark World (2/25/2014)

Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Eccleston, Natalie Portman, Idris Elba, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo, Jaimie Alexander, Zachary Levi, Ray Stevenson and Stellan Skarsgard

Directed by Alan Taylor

Thor is called the “Mighty God of Thunder”…and apparently the mighty god of the box-office too.

Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World continues the big-screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel’s Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos…but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Whether you are a casual fan or a geeked-out fanboy, you have to appreciate what Marvel Studios is doing for the superhero genre. From constantly delivering the highest quality films (IronMan, Thor, Hulk, Captain America and The Avengers) to crossing over characters and storylines, Marvel Studios continues to impress.

Thor: The Dark World has everything a huge blockbuster superhero movie needs…likable characters, intense action, top-shelf special effects and an intelligent storyline that has both heart and humor.

All of our favorite characters are back from the original Thor film (several were also in The Avengers). Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston are absolutely perfect as Thor and his mischievous brother Loki. The rest of the cast is also great and newcomer Christopher Eccleston is scary good as the villain. Because he is the only new main character to develop, we get to jump right into the action. And the action is intense and nonstop (and of course I watched the movie in 3D which amplifies the action even more.)

Besides brilliant 3D filming, the movie also features amazing special effects. From the hallowed halls of Asgard to the streets of London and back to the other nine realms, the special effects enhance the film instead of being a distraction.

Finally there is the story. I’m convinced the thing that separates the good from the great action movies is the story. And Thor has a great story jam packed with drama, love, betrayal, heart and humor. Honestly, I could not have asked for more.

I also love how this movie stands alone and yet ties in perfectly with the Marvel franchise. From the mentions of “the battle of New York” (in The Avengers) to the Captain America cameo, the story is crafted with care and precision.

Besides being a very entertaining movie, I loved that I could take my 12-year-old son with me to see it. Thor is his favorite superhero and we had a blast watching it and talking about it on the way home. Thor: The Dark World may be a little darker than the other Marvel films, but it is still fun, clean and wildly entertaining. It is “Worth Buying.”

P.S. Make sure you stay for TWO post credit scenes.

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
This film is on par with the other Marvel superhero films. There is a fair amount of violence that while it is intense at times, it is not bloody or gory.

There is no sex or nudity and I believe there was one S-word in the entire film.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. How would you describe the trust level between Thor and Loki?


2. Why was there broken trust between the two brothers?


3. How would you explain or define trust?


4. Do you find it easy or difficult to trust other people? Why or why not?


5. Read Proverbs 3:5-6
   
   Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
   Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
   
   
6. How is “Trusting in the Lord with all your heart” different from trusting a friend?


7. Why can we “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” without any fear?


8. What can you do this week to deepen your trust in God?