“Thor” Sequel Opens Friday; “About Time,” “12 Years a Slave” Expand

Published at 11:36 am, November 8, 2013

Buena Vista(NEW YORK) — Here’s a look at the movies hitting theaters on Friday:

Thor: The Dark World: Chris Hemsworth returns as the hammer-wielding Marvel hero he portrayed in the 2011 Thor film as well as 2012’s The Avengers. This time, Thor is forced to team up with his villainous adoptive brother, Loki, to battle an ancient race that threatens the universe. Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman, Christopher Eccleston, Kat Dennings, Anthony Hopkins, Rene Russo and Idris Elba also star in the sequel, which is screening in 3D. Rated PG-13.

These films are expanding in wide release:

About Time: A time traveler falls in love with a woman but finds that his ability can’t help him with his problems. Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams star in About Time, which is from filmmaker Richard Curtis, who previously brought you Love Actually, Notting Hill and Four Weddings and a Funeral. Rated R.

12 Years a Slave: The drama stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as a black man in the pre-Civil War days who’s enslaved for 12 years before meeting a Canadian abolitionist — played by Brad Pitt — who changes his life. Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Alfre Woodard and Paul Giamatti also star. Rated R.

And opening in limited release:

The Book Thief: The film, which is drawing Oscar buzz, follows a young girl who is sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany during World War II. Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson and Sophie Nélisse star. Rated PG-13. [Click here to read a review]