Simon Dillon reviews the film

The blockbuster season gets off to a splendid start with Thor, Kenneth Branagh's adaptation of the Marvel comics superhero. Deemed an offbeat choice by some, Branagh brings a well-judged mixture of comedy and Shakespearean gravitas to compliment the obligatory (and truly spectacular) special effects.

When describing the plot, I shall manfully resist the temptation to indulge in the Norse mythology related puns that seem to be permeating other reviews ("My kingdom for a Norse", "It certainly isn't Loki", "A Thor point", etc). After being manipulated into attacking the Frost Giants by the scheming Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is cast out of Asgard by his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins) for his arrogance and warmongering. Once on Earth, he is separated from his hammer - the source of his power - and is forced to adapt to life as a human. He meets physicist Jane (Natalie Portman), and the inevitable (and rather charming) romantic subplot ensues. In the meantime, Loki seizes power in Asgard and sends the Destroyer to wipe out Thor on Earth.

In other words it's the usual origin story stuff, with plenty of nods to fans of the comics (Jeremy Renner's cameo as Hawkeye, the post credits Avengers setup scene, the Stan Lee cameo), yet at the same time broad enough for those who don't know their Asgard from their Aswad. Branagh gives the film an epic scale and directs with considerable panache, helped by the astounding set and costume design, dazzling special effects and Patrick Doyle's stirring music score. The script strikes just the right balance between epic and comedic, making each character interesting and even investing the villain with three dimensional motivations that a standard superhero movie simply wouldn't bother with.

As Thor Hemsworth acquits himself well in the lead, bringing self-deprecating humour to a character whose journey from pride to humility could have so easily been unconvincing. Best known for a brief role as Captain Kirk's father at the start of the most recent Star Trek film, Hemsworth has the presence and likeability to convince as a true superhero.

Elsewhere Tom Hiddleston is superb as Loki, Hopkins his usual scenery chewing self as Odin, and Natalie Portman provides a good love interest (is there any film this year that she doesn't star in?). Idris Elba, Stellan Skarsgard, Rene Russo and various others all do well in supporting roles.

On a moral/spiritual note, it is worth pointing out that although torn from the pages of pagan mythology, Thor has a vast amount of Judeo-Christian undercurrents; with themes of sacrifice and resurrection, sin and redemption, jealousy and humility woven in throughout.

Thor is not a groundbreaking, genre defining superhero flick like Batman Begins or the original Superman, nor does it need to be. It is however a hugely satisfying, visually striking entertainment with plenty of heart as well as action, and a tremendous blast of great fun for young and old alike. See it at the cinema if at all possible as Branagh's epic vision will suffer greatly on television.