Given that the first Thor film was so good, and one of the best Phase One MCU films alongside the first Ironman movie... I had high expectations for this one. I was disappointed that Kenneth Branagh wasn't going to be directing again, but pleased that he would take on a producer role.

Given Marvels consistency so far, I knew that the movie was going to be full of references about things that had happened in the other MCU movies, but not to such a degree that the movie cannot be watched as a stand alone film on it's own merits. In fact the only thing you might be confused about had you not watched any of the others, is the who/why/what about Loki in the beginning. The rest of the characters get a very brief introduction and the narrative opening scenes sets the stage for the movie.

But Marvel knows full well that people watching their movies have seen the rest, and know the backstories. So keeping things short and sweet for those who don't means that we can get straight into the movie right away.

Tom Hiddleston once again shines as Loki, proving what a great actor he is, and what a great choice they made in casting him. He provides virtually of the comedic moments and you know there will always be some scheme, some twist coming with him involved.

I try to avoid spoilers for these movies, in fact all movies that I really want to see. Sometimes I won't even watch a trailer, I want to go in clean, knowing next to nothing about the movie... sometimes to the extent of not knowing some of the casting choices... So I was actually surprised when I recognised the voice of Malekith as Christopher Eccleston, as I didn't know he was in it... and I've always liked him as an actor. He's kinda quirky at times and doesn't get as many movie roles as he should, very good comedic qualities as an actor, but here he plays it straight as the main protagonist and does a decent job.

The rest of the supporting cast does a decent enough job too. Kat Deely as Darcy offers up most of the remaining comedic moments and even gets her own love interest as a minor subplot, although it's shown and dismissed far to quickly simply to provide another comedic moment in the whole Jane/Selvig/Darcy/Mjolnir scene... in fact I created a gif of that scene and tacked on Donkey from Shrek for even more comedic effect.

Anthony Hopkins was a little disappointing this time round, didn't quite convey the gravitas of the first, but it wasn't a poor performance at all... Just a lesser one. Rene Russo actually got a bit more screen time and the audience got an explanation for Loki's powers and training... even got a fight scene, but I feel that was only to provide the emotional side and reaction that sets up the middle act.

The pacing was good, and the extra scenes included on bluray release that weren't in the theatrical one don't bog down the pacing, but at the same time don't add anything extra really... which is a shame.

Hemsworth as Thor did a good job too, and Portman as Jane Foster were both adequate... but simply outshone by Hiddleston who is the real star of this film in my opinion.

It was a shame that the rest of the supporting cast didn't get better material, I'd like to see more of Fandrall, Volstagg, Lady Siff and Hogun... I could even overlook the change of actor for Fandrall (due to Josh Dallas' commitment to the TV show Once upon a time' to Zachary Levi (best know for the TV show Chuck I guess).

The special effects were good, some of the plot points were a little too convenient (like finding your car keys on another planet which conveniently gives you a way of escape and a mode of transport once you get there).

But the overall result is a good one... Not as strong as the first film, but a very good sequel all the same. I think Marvel learned from the poor second Iron Man movie because they haven't really put a foot wrong here, nor did they with Cpt America 2 and Iron Man 3.

For those familiar with the after credits sneak peak... this one supplies two of them. One that's setting up characters for Guardians of the Galaxy (not seen it yet, gotta wait for the bluray release as my summer was rather busy and I don't have a cinema within 20 miles of my home)... the second end of credits is just a silly little jokey one.

Overall I'd give it a solid 8/10, highly recommended and well worth watching more than once as there are loads of little touches to pick up on in later viewings.