‘Thor’ impressive as summer superheroes begin hitting screens

Hammer time! And, as if you hadn't noticed, summertime.

At least at the movies, where "Thor" launches a superhero-heavy season with thunderous bombast -- as befits an epic starring the Norse god of thunder -- and even a bit of wit.

Not as much as, say, "Iron Man," to cite another member of the Marvel Comics universe who's made himself at home on the big screen.

But it's more than enough to make this split-personality excursion (in 3-D and IMAX 3-D as well as plain old 2-D) worth the trip.

After all, "Thor" delivers two cinematic destinations in one movie, exploring not only the fantastical realm of Asgard but the (literally) down-to-earth New Mexico desert, where Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is exiled after being cast out of Asgard by his father Odin (an expectedly authoritative Anthony Hopkins).

If all that sounds somewhat Shakespearean, credit (or blame) director Kenneth Branagh, who embraces the tale's dramatic conflicts -- father against son(s), brother against brother, planet against planet -- with almost stately seriousness.

On Asgard and the ice planet of Jotunheim, that is, where the enemy Frost Giants have somehow infiltrated Odin's realm.

While wise old Odin preaches restraint, noting that no king opts for war -- but every king must prepare for it -- hothead Thor, Odin's first-born, rounds up his fellow warriors for a rousing battle.

Armed with his magic hammer, Mjolnir, Thor may be all-powerful, but he's not exactly a deep thinker -- unlike his mercurial brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston ).

Thor's first in line to succeed Odin on the throne of Asgard, but he's clearly got some 'splainin' -- and some growing up -- to do after he disobeys his father's order.

Which explains how, and why, Thor winds up in New Mexico, where his arrival stuns a scientific team studying unexplained celestial phenomena.

Astrophysicist Jane Foster (feisty, fetching Natalie Portman) seems understandably curious about the handsome hunk she's just struck with her research van. At least Jane's mentor, Erik Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) knows a Norse god when he sees one; he remembers the stories from his Scandinavian childhood. Yet wisecracking assistant Darcy (deadpan delight Kat Dennings) may have the best way to deal with this strange, and strangely powerful, newcomer. Thor may have Mjolnir, but Darcy's got a Taser gun.

Thor's not the only recent arrival to New Mexico, however.

Almost as soon as he turns up, so does a familiar "Iron Man" face: buttoned-down Agent Coulson (sly officious Clark Gregg), who seems particularly interested in the research team's latest discovery.

Yet as our scientists try to learn more about Thor and his mysterious origins, Thor's busy learning some valuable, human-scale lessons involving humility, patience -- and the notion that there's more to being a god among men than brute force. (Although there are times when brute force is a mighty handy attribute to have.)

Working from characters created by inimitable Marvel man Stan Lee (who, inevitably, makes a droll cameo appearance), screenwriters Don Payne ("Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"), Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz (TV's "Fringe" and "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles") manage to cram a lot of plot into "Thor" -- sometimes too much for the movie's good.

As a result, "Thor's" intrigue-packed Asgard sequences seem achingly somber, while the down-home scenes among the Earthlings provide welcome comic relief.

Throughout, however, director Branagh maintains the movie's momentum, dispatching the numerous effects-heavy interludes with crisp authority. (A pity the special effects themselves seem so cartoonish; a little less obvious digital trickery would give them much more impact.)

Then again, Branagh seems far more interested in the actors than in the action -- and "Thor" reflects that emphasis.

The movie's supporting cast is chock full of dramatic heavyweights, notably "Kill the Irishman's" Ray Stevenson as Thor's most boisterous warrior, "The Wire's" Idris Elba as Asgard's stalwart gatekeeper and Colm Feore (a fixture at Canada's Stratford Festival, North America's largest Shakespeare festival) as the Frost Giants' icily intimidating monarch.

As Loki, Hiddleston brings welcome ambiguity to a role that's far more dimensional than his Asgard counterparts, most of whom have all the depth of a "Thor" comic book page.

As for the mighty Thor himself, Hemsworth dominates the screen with throwaway ease.

Looking beyond his strapping physique (as if anybody could), Hemsworth proves an adept superhero, tossing his hammer -- and salvos of appropriately arrogant quips -- with undeniable flair. (You try delivering a line like "You dare attack the son of Odin?" with a straight face -- and a twinkle in your eye.)

Unlike some members of "Thor's" cast, it's clear that Hemsworth's having a blast stomping around playing (Norse) god.

And, as a result, so are we.

"Thor" is hardly the best comic-book movie ever. (I'm still partial to Christopher Reeve's first two "Superman" flights, thank you.) When it comes to comic-book supremacy this summer, however, "X-Men: First Class," "Green Lantern" and "Captain America: The First Avenger" have their work cut out for them.

Contact movie critic Carol Cling at ccling@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0272.