150W: Thor: The Dark World

Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...

Thor: The Dark World (Dir. Alan Taylor/2013)

Straddling Lord of the Rings fantasy and superhero action in London, comes Thor: The Dark World. Chris Hemsworth returns as the Prince of Asgard, Thor. This time, new villain Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) destroys much of Asgard intent on controlling the “Ether” – an ancient power that has become entwined within Jane Foster (Natalie Portman). Thor and his merry band of Asgardian friends – including Avengers Assemble’s Loki (Tom Hiddleston) – are forced to protect Jane while ensuring that Asgard (and Greenwich in London) itself remains unharmed. More complicated than its predecessor, this sequel clashes horned-helmets and mystical forces with gusto, balancing Shakespearian language with a comedic sense of self-awareness. What a relief to see such a stylised form of story-telling opposed to the well-worn hero-in-city style of Spider-Man and Iron-Man. Inevitably, the formulaic shine of Marvel means it lacks risks and plays it safe, but it’s nevertheless a strong entry into the series.

Rating: 7/10

150W: Rush

Short reviews for clear and concise verdicts on a broad range of films...

Rush (Dir. Ron Howard/2013)

Roaring into theatres with Ron Howard’s almost-trademark true-story sales-pitch comes Rush. Documenting the rivalry between Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) and James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth), this could be a feature-film response to Senna. But the adrenaline-fuelled races with a personal theme pitting natural talent against brutal hard work manage to draw you in and speed you past the finish line. Brühl steals the show with an intense portrayal of Lauda who, though privileged (like Hunt), seems much more aware of the necessary knowledge to understand the dangerous vehicle he controls – opposed to Hunt, whose love of driving, women and alcohol seem to be his primary motivation. The 1976 racing season provides the main body of the film, and it slows down following Lauda’s shocking run at the German Grand Prix – but it remains a tight, focused effort only floundering a little when tackling their marriages. Overall, Rush comes out on top.

Rating: 8/10