Out of the 23 Marvel Cinematic Universe films released to date, Thor: The Dark World has earned among the worst reputations. From a forgettable villain to repetitive exposition, the sequel has a lot of flaws. However, while it may not hold its own against the likes of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Guardians of the Galaxy or its own sequel, Thor: Ragnarok, The Dark World was far from the worst movie of 2013.
Furthermore, when we take into consideration how much set-up The Dark World provided for Thor and the Avengers, the movie is s;dp not as bad as some remember.
The Future of Thor and the MCU
For the returning Avengers who got solo films in Phase 2, The Dark World carries the biggest burden. It establishes a new Infinity Stone, sets up Thor: Ragnarok, builds Thor and Loki's character arcs and introduces the Collector for Guardians of the Galaxy. While the exposition about the Ether, aka the Reality Stone, is tiresome, the film establishes its properties as well as the fact that it's near impossible to destroy. This pays off in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, saving both movies from having to take time to explain this excessively.
As for Thor and Loki, both come to terms with the truths about Asgard and their father. Loki is already aware of how manipulative and cruel Odin is; meanwhile, Thor realizes how horrible his father can be when Odin plans to wage war on the Dark Elves until the "last Asgardian breath." These realizations fuel the development of Loki and Thor over the course of the MCU, and they set up the key themes of Ragnarok. Hela is a reminder that Asgard has a dark history, which Odin insists on romanticizing or covering up, as seen in The Dark World. Thor also doesn't want the throne because its built on lies, and this want is established in his second film.
Thor and Loki's Brotherly Bond
Along with both brothers coming to terms with Odin's faults, the film shines when Loki and Thor are together. The love they feel for one another, as well as the animosity, is clear, as seen when Thor confronts a distraught Loki in the dungeons. This is taken to the next level when they fight over who's responsible for Frigga's death. While they are at each other's throats, it ends with the two making light of the fact their mother wouldn't be surprised to see them like this.
The more serious moments with the two are captivating; however, they steal the show when they banter, thanks to the chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston. Their jabs and quick responses bring an air of levity to a tonally glum film, and their comedic dynamic, as well as their brotherly love, has only been improved upon in the following movies.
Frigga's Send-Off
While Thor and Loki steal the show, Frigga's role in The Dark World is one of the best parts of it. She's underdeveloped in prior film; however, it's here fans see why she's so beloved by the Odinsons. Unlike Odin, who disregards humans, Frigga supports Thor's relationship with Jane. Meanwhile, she tries to be empathetic to Loki without excusing his actions on Earth, playing the role of both loving mother and just queen.
Audiences also learn Frigga is a force to be reckoned with. Using her magic and swordsmanship, she nearly bests Malekith while defending Jane. The kindness and strength she shows makes her death more impactful. Audiences truly understand why her murder hits all members of the royal family so deeply. Furthermore, her funeral is one of the most beautiful send offs in the MCU, highlighted by the stunning cosmic imagery seen throughout the film.
Marvel's D&D Campaign
For its strengths and weaknesses, The Dark World is a D&D campaign brought to life. The exposition is like a dungeon master attempting to explain the rules of the world. Meanwhile, the large cast of characters do as they please, just like a group of players trying to figure out the best way to approach a campaign or derail it. This leads to many moments where the heroes genuinely have fun, and that is one of the best parts of the movie.
From Thor enjoying the thrill of battle, to Jane being enchanted by the similarities between science and magic, to Loki letting his chaotic side out, this film has the characters find amusement in their dreary situation. Even minor characters get moments where they appreciate the science-fiction and fantasy elements of the film, like so many viewers do while watching an MCU movie. The Dark World is not on the level of Ragnarok in terms of fun, and it's not the best MCU movie. With that in mind, it sets up the future of Marvel, develops its lead characters and has the heroes relish in the craziness that's going on.