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Hammer Time

The God of Thunder, mighty Thor, is one of the odder superheroes in the comic universe. We've seen alien heroes, radioactive heroes, genetically-altered heroes, and even self-made heroes. But Thor is a full-on deity. Playfully purloined from Norse mythology by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Thor watches over Earth from the celestial kingdom of Asgard, equipped with his trusty hammer and his certain way with a storm cloud. Adapting this camp-friendly tale as a big budget popcorn flick could be tricky business. One false move in either direction and the movie would either be deathly self-serious or laughably, well, laughable. But the filmmakers behind "Thor" show the wisdom of Odin in some of their choices.

For one thing, there's the casting of Odin, Thor's father. Anthony Hopkins. Done. Secondly, they tell an origin story in which the arrogant - and, frankly, unlikeable - Thor is stripped of his powers, cast out of Asgard and forced to learn humility on Earth. Good choice; heroes are far more interesting when they're not all-powerful (hence the need for Kryptonite to be as common as dirt in most Superman comics). And lastly, the film is directed by Kenneth Branagh.

Yes, that Kenneth Branagh. I know, on the surface this choice feels as random as a bolt of Norse lightning. But the script, by Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz and Don Payne - from a story by J. Michael Straczynski, who has written "Thor" comics for years - sets up a story that happily traffics in themes both Shakespearean (the fraternal fight for Odin's throne) and Arthurian (once the hammer falls to Earth, only one person can lift it). So "Thor" - with its royal betrayals and epic battles - is a perfect fit for a filmmaker that has both played and directed "Hamlet" and is frequently touted as the next Olivier.

As the titular thunder God, Mr, Branagh casts Australian actor Chris Hemsworth (Kirk's dad from the "Star Trek" reboot). Mr. Hemsworth plays the character completely straight - which works exceedingly well amid the New Mexico desert of his banishment. He wrings every ounce of humor out of bellowing, "this mortal vessel grows weak, it needs sustenance".

Once on Earth, Thor is befriended by a ragtag (is there any other kind) group of astrophysicists led by Natalie Portman (it's okay, just let that one go). As Thor's familial strife escalates - thanks to his mischievous brother Loki and a war with the Frost Giants - it threatens to tear apart three worlds, including our own.

It's all pretty out there - and interestingly esoteric for a summer blockbuster (particularly with all the Scandinavian names thrown in for good measure). But it works thanks to Mr. Branagh's ability to walk a tonal tightrope. Naturally, the ending is overwhelmed by special effects, and the forced relationship with Ms. Portman (who overdoes the preciousness) holds no heft. But along the way "Thor" proves to be exactly as diverting as you'd expect from, well, "Thor".