Tag Archives: Anthony Hopkins

Thor: The Dark World {Film Review}

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With Iron Man 3 and The Wolverine out of the way, it is now the God of Thunder’s turn to shine from Marvel. Set straight after the events from The Avengers, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) is a prisoner of Asgard and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is busy keeping order to the Nine Realms. Though this all comes after a (rather obligatory and unneeded) opening with Anthony Hopkins’ Odin providing a voice-over. We’re introduced to Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), leader of the dark elves who has been searching a dark force called the Aether. Though defeated by Odin’s father, he and his army have escape and wait while in hibernated suspension till the Aether has been recovered.

 

Thor isn’t an easy character to be taken seriously, he is also the least relatable character out of The Avengers (he is a God after all). Kenneth Branagh succeeded on bringing Thor to life in 2011 but also handling the character with such sophistication (having adapted William Shakespeare’s plays helps). Director Alan Taylor now takes rein of the sequel and it’s not surprising with his previous credits (The Sopranos, Game of Thrones etc.) that he was a fitting choice. Though the big question was where do you take the story after Thor and The Avengers? Quite simply, you amp up the scale!

Thor - The Dark World

 

Chris Hemsworth returns as Thor and he delivers such charismatic charm. As said before, he may not be relatable but being likeable makes a huge difference if we’re going to be rooting for him. He continues to grow valiant and noble, even taking huge risks that not only will cost lives but their loyalty to his father and to Asgard. Sif (Jaimie Alexander) and the Warriors Three (Fandral (Zachary Levi), Hogun (Tadanobu Asano) and Volstagg (Ray Stevenson)) all return to bring their support (even if they’re given little to do). Anthony Hopkins makes a commanding presence as Odin, though he also can’t help but camp it up at times. Frigga finally has more to do and say this time round, making up for her lack of presence in the first movie. Though the character of Jane Foster is the most frustrating, mainly because she’s such an uninteresting character and is, ultimately, a damsel-in-distress. As Darcy (Kat Dennings) mentions that she’s been constantly looking for Thor but also eating her feelings away with ice cream in her pyjamas. I understand you were swooned by a God and see him in New York battling aliens but she’s such a pathetic character to even remotely worry for her when she’s in peril (no wonder Natalie Portman doesn’t talk about her much because there’s not much to talk about). Stellan Skarsgård as Erik Selvig and Kat Dennings’ Darcy are the supplemental comedy reliefs, though their scenes does come across being desperate comedy.

 

Christopher Eccleston’s Malekith brings menace but he’s unfortunately another weak Marvel villain (along with Mandarin in Iron Man 3). His motive is simply to bring darkness to the universe, yet it isn’t as threatening as it should be and comes out being one-dimensional. At least with General Zod in Man of Steel, you understand the reason for his motives despite the extremes he will take to achieve them. Though the highlight is Tom Hiddleston as Loki, he absolutely takes this opportunity to go all out and have fun. The scene between Thor and Loki are very funny, exchanging witty comebacks and sarcastic remarks on each other. Though underneath this comedic bantering, there’s an emotional core and you become attached to these two. There are a few cameos that many will enjoy, though one in particular will have scratching their heads on who he is and what relevance has he to do with Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Oh and Stan Lee makes his appearance of course.

 

This movie has certainly been given a huge make-over since the first movie. Marvel was keeping it safe by having the budget moderately low in the first movie, they now give Taylor an arsenal to expand the Thor universe. The majority of this movie takes place in Asgard or Svartalfheim and really brings the sci-fi/fantasy settings to great use. It does contain some beautiful imagery (Asgard looks alive and robust, even aerial shots of Malekith’s ship floating in space). With the mix of fantasy and sci-fi, the movie does give the audience a task to just roll with it but manages to pull it off. The final climactic battle between Thor and Malekith is short but not excessive enough to keep it from being exciting and creative (something Zack Snyder should have done with Man of Steel).

Overall: Thor’s second entry is great fun and Taylor has continued to bring sophistication but also confidence to the character. Doesn’t exceed to greatness but it does whet movie-goers appetites for Marvel’s next outing with Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy next year.

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Dana Wilkey – The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills | Exclusive Interview

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Frost Magazine have got an exclusive interview with the gorgeous Dana Wilkey, star of hit American TV show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Dana has recently bought a home in London’s Chelsea and is filming her own reality TV show, Rich and Ditched. The show is about Dana and her Irish millionaire businessman boyfriend, Philip Marley, setting up home in Central London and being ‘fish out of water’.

 

Dana has a huge profile in America and when she isn’t starring in  TV shows, she is a party planner for the Hollywood A List.  Her clients include Pierce Brosnan, Anthony Hopkins and  Bruce Willis.

 

What made you move to London?

I moved to London because I was looking for a fresh start from my Beverly Hills, CA saga.  It’s been a rough 6 months.  I have always loved London, have businesses there  and my new boyfriend and have good friends live there so it seemed like a natural progression of things.

 

What is your favourite thing about London?

My favourite thing about London is the currency!  To make money in the pound is the best possible situation to be in for the current global economy… oh! And I love the shopping and the level of your private clubs like Arts Club.
Why Chelsea?

Currently Chelsea seems like the hot spot to be in so I would of course want to live there and join the fun! Also I love the convenience of Kings Road and the fact that most of the brownstones have been redone with lots of modern touches that you don’t find in other more posh areas.


What is the premise of the show, Rich and Ditched?

I have been ditched by my friends in Beverly Hills and my ex fiancé.  I am moving to London to start over and hopefully FINALLY fine my prince charming.  I have 5 people that are both married and single that are all living in London but pretty much all came from some other country that I hang out with and well let’s say the sparks fly on a bunch of fronts…cultural conflict, relationship issues, American fish out of water in London syndrome and the usual cattiness you see on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

 

How much has The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills changed your life?

It has changed my life for the positive and I continue to support the show and fans whenever possible.   If you try to shoot and be honest without a filter it can be a fun experience even if you look like an idiot in the final edit.  You must get over all your fears to be on a reality show so it can be an experience that can help you grow as a person also you meet so many amazing people through the opportunities it can provide.
Why did you leave?

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills shot some of this so I don’t want to disclose this until I know for sure what will air, but let’s just say my life over the last 6 months has been like the worst movie of the week you can imagine and now I want to have a chance at the Disney ending.

 

How do you feel London will differ from Beverly Hills?

On the down side, the differences are the weather obviously, the systems are more cumbersome and SOME of the people can be really judgemental and reserved compared to what I’m used to.  On the upside, London at the wealthiest levels make Beverly Hills look like the poo so that should make for some good parties, shopping is similar and the average person is so much more global which is so important!

 

What party planning tips can you give us?

I need more info on this question…for what type of party and what budget?

 

What is the best party you have been to?

Monaco Grand Prix ball with Wycliffe and U2.
What is the best party you have planned?

I rented the RM Elegant, which at the time, was the 17th largest yacht in the world during the Cannes Film festival. I then outfitted the yacht rooms with different vibes of décor and lighting.  You had to have a credit card to get on the yacht even if you were invited to the events so it was super exclusive and the talk of Cannes that year. I had Bruce Willis, Bret Ratnor and Petra Nemcova, etc on the yacht that year.

 

What are your plans for Christmas?

I am doing a winter wonderland theme with complete lighting and build out at my house.  I am famous for my Christmas decorations and lights in America. I will host a dinner for about 14 people in my movie theatre in London that will be especially decorated for the Holiday.

 

 

Thor {Film Review}

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Thor was going to be the most difficult to adapt out of all the Marvel heroes. Yes it is based on Norse mythology, but this is straight from the Marvel creation by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962. This could’ve come off as being unintentionally hilarious but luckily a sophisticated filmmaker came on-board and made it all (somehow) work!

The story is about Thor (Chris Hemsworth) who’s the son of Odin (Anthony Hopkins), who simply defies his father’s orders by breaking a truce between the Asgardians and the Frost Giants. Through his arrogance and war-mongering, Odin takes Thor’s godly powers away and exiles him to Earth. He lands in New Mexico, where scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), accompanied by mentor Dr. Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and assistant Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), encounters with Thor (through an unnatural storm). Through-out Thor’s banishment, he is humiliated the way they treat him and doesn’t believe he is the god of thunder. Meanwhile, Loki (Tom Hiddleston) plots a scheme to keep Thor banished and take over the throne of Asgard. Thor tries to retrieve his hammer, Mjolnir, but with no success (Odin cast a spell only the worthy can wield it).

Chris Hemsworth as the titular hero really does stand his two feet. You may recognise him as Kirk’s father, George Kirk, in J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek. He makes the character strong, charismatic and out-right likable from the very start. Back in the 80s, muscle-bound men were usually cast as mighty heroes (although as Movie Bob has mentioned in his review of The Expendables, action movies got better with professional actors learning how to fight than just cast someone who looks good in a tank-top) but Hemsworth really does buff up for the role and dons the costume well. Anthony Hopkins redeems himself from being in some poor choice of films (The Wolfman and The Rite), retaining his authoritative presence and stature. His Odin is more a shouting leader but not nearly as annoyingly obnoxious than Leonidis in 300. Tom Hiddleston as Loki is superb, a villain who’s sympathetic and quite complex. The reveal makes you understand his frustration, and causes interesting family drama. Natalie Portman is sweet and affecting as Jane Foster, although he character isn’t anymore than being Thor’s love interest but you believe she’d be falling off her heels with a charming person as Thor. The biggest controversy is Idris Elba as Heimdall, simply because the character he plays is originally caucasian but Elba is a very talented actor (see The Wire for proof) and even a short role in this film, he makes a huge presence. Unfortunately not everyone has been given a great deal of screen-time, a common case in films based on comic books (only Christopher Nolan’s Batman films; Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, were able to give everyone an equal amount). Renne Russo, who hasn’t been in anything for the past six years, stars as Thor’s mother, Frigga (yes, it’s a bit silly) but she barely gets any screen-time that you’re wondering if it has been left on the cutting room floor.

The design of Asgard really impressed me, creating this fantasy world that its only limit can be from someone’s imagination. The world is magical and full of wonder, I absolutely love any type of mythology and Kenneth Branagh has done a wonderful job on creating Asgard on an epic scale (as it should be!). The costumes could’ve brought down the whole film, as looking at people in costumes of any kind could make people sniggering but it all works! Thor’s costume mostly resembles both the classic and modern design of Thor in the comics. You can see why Branagh was hired to the project, bringing that theatrical sophistication into the story and look itself. The story is very basic, but doesn’t fall short on spectacle, humour and light-hearted fun! The only complaint I’d make is Thor’s banishment is quite brief, and doesn’t feel he’s learnt a whole great deal or, if he did, it certainly didn’t show it. Again, something I’d like to see if they release an extended cut of the film (only time will tell).

Overall; a great start of the blockbuster season of 2011, both Marvel and Branagh should be applauded on adapting Thor well on-screen. Both Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston will become instant stars, and will looking forward to see them both in The Avengers. Next up, The First Avenger: Captain America!

4 out of 5 stars!

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