Let me start off by saying that I was a big fan of the original Thor movie. Growing up I always enjoyed reading comic books. I still get to enjoy them because my wife pretends to be ok with it when I drag her to the comic book store and I have three boys, so I can just make it look like I am only doing it for them. Thor has always been a major character in the Marvel universe, but I never really got into him. He always came across as a little cheesy to me, unlike Captain America or The X-Men who are more believable types who run around in costumes saving the world. In a world of “believable” superhero’s (try not to laugh at that!), he always seemed out of place because, well he is a god, and uses a hammer to smash things. 
When I saw the first movie, (only out of nerd duty), I was impressed that the story was entertaining and the actors really sold it. I can only imagine Anthony Hopkins being pitched this movie where he is the king of a place called Asgaard, there is a giant rainbow bridge that can transport people anywhere in the galaxy, and oh yeah, he wears a cape and eye-patch throughout. The big thing that impressed me about the first film was not the CGI, it was the humor.
What is “Thor: The Dark World” about?
“Thor: The Dark World,” is a completely different film than the first. Normally, sequels just expand on the origin story, but this film takes it all in a completely different direction. The special effects are what you would expect: good but a bit overkill. The actors are really good, and the relationship between Thor and Jane (Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman) comes across like they were really having a good time making this film. There are some flaws that I need to mention though. I took my 8-year-old son to see Thor, and after the first ten minutes I had to explain to him what was happening, although I was still confused myself. (The main bad space elf guy speaks some galactic language and the filmmakers decided to use subtitles which is expected in a film from France, but not so much in a film based on Thor!) 
Basically, there was a big war a long time ago with these scary space elves, and they want this liquid power weapon to turn the whole universe into darkness (hence the title), but the good guys hide it instead of destroying it and then guess what…it comes back to cause major problems that only Thor can fix. I think that is right. So we get to watch Thor and his band of warriors get down to business again. For fans of these films, you will not be disappointed in the battle scenes and we get to see Asgaard in great detail. My son and I saw it on an IMAX screen and in 3D. The 3D was great, and I have to admit we had a great time.
When it was over, we stayed around for the ever-present extra scene tease in the credits (featuring a huge actor, by the way), caused some uber nerds in the audience to almost lose control. It looked like they had lifted a scene from the classic tv series, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century from the late 1970s. I kept waiting for Gil Gerard to pop on screen. It looked pretty bad!.
Is “Thor: Dark World” appropriate for children?
You can rest easy that the violence is not too graphic, although my son jumped a couple of times due to unexpected stabbings and other quick scare scenes. Again, he’s 8 and very sensitive and didn’t feel overwhelmed. I would have to say I wouldn’t take a child younger than 7.
What will comic book nerds think about “Thor: The Dark World?”
One thing will bother true fans of these films. For all that it does right, it leaves out one important thing: The Avengers. They mention New York and the Avengers throughout, but when the evil elves attack England in the finale on a scale that is too large for S.H.I.E.L.D. not to notice, no one comes to assist Thor. (There is one early cameo in the film,that is awesome though!) He takes care of business along with Jane and her band of comic sidekicks, and the rest of the world stays out of it. It bothered me because I have too much time on my hands I guess.
Conclusion:
Overall, “Thor: The Dark World” is a fine addition to the series of films featuring the Marvel characters. Bigger, louder and funnier than the first, but not quite as good. Still worth seeing and totally worth enjoying with your kid and a tub of popcorn.
