Thor 2 smashed back into theaters Nov. 8 for the release of Thor: The Dark World, the sequel to the 2011 hit. Starring Chris Helmsworth as Thor, Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Anthony Hopkins as Odin, and Natalie Portman as Jane Foster, this main cast is also accompanied by Kat Dennings, Christopher Eccleston, Stellan Skaarsgard, Zachary Levi, and more. The plot centers on the battle between The Dark Elves and Thor. The Aether, a super weapon created by the Dark Elves and buried by the Asgardians long ago, emerges once again and poses a major threat to the people of Asgard, and the universe.

Though the plot sounds (and is) ridiculous that fact is left on the back burner for the most part on account of all the other elements which make up for it.

Though the first film was in many ways a ‘sleeper hit’, the success of the first ‘Thor’ and ‘The Avengers’ helped catapult “The Dark World” into box office success. Much like the first film, the visual design and action packed scenes helped drive the film. Its premise allowed for a greater scope of Asgard to be investigated than the first one, where Earth was the predominant setting. While the first film found Thor on Earth, this sequel displays him on his home planet with Jane after the Aether makes its home in her body. The landscapes of Asgard, and the palace and its rooms all glimmer and gleam. Though a majority of it was CGI, the intergalactic planet truly came to life and made the battles throughout the film all the more powerful, especially in 3D.

Of course, this design and action wouldn’t have worked alone. It was the acting of the cast which allowed it to reach its full potential. The troubles relationship of Thor and his villainous brother, Loki, add a darker and more complex level to the film. And of course Tom Hiddleston’s acting is superb; he conveys an amazing array of emotions though his portrayal of Loki, making him one of stand-outs. Chris Helmsworth does so to a lesser degree, but nevertheless proves a passionate and Shakespearian-like Thor that flows easily with the film. Another one of the positives of the film was the funny quips of Kat Denning’s character (and others), who added a healthy dose of humor to the film. Although there’s a large cast, a majority of them fade into the background.

Nevertheless, “Thor: The Dark World”, proved to be a mighty sequel that well matched the first one.