THOR (Rated PG-13)

Judging by the calendar of the cinema gods, the summer season has already started, which may be news to everyone still waiting for Memorial Day weekend. But for the second week in a row we have another traditional summertime popcorn adventure.

Last week, it was “Fast Five,” which speedily raced to the top of weekly grosses. Now along comes “Thor,” another Marvel Comics creation, a noisy superhero flick with plenty of thunder to ignite the summer season.

“Thor” operates in alternate universes, from the ancient kingdom of Asgard that floats somewhere in the great beyond to modern day earth in the dusty desert areas of New Mexico. In between, there is a planet of the weird Frost Giants that thrive on frozen tundra.

As the film’s titular character, the Norse god Thor (Australian actor Chris Hemsworth) is a brilliant warrior, but too arrogant and cocky for his own good, if he desires to ascend to the throne.

Thor’s father, King Odin (Anthony Hopkins), is in failing health. Thor is the chosen one to rule Asgard, but Odin fears his son Thor’s eagerness to do battle with the reptilian Frost Giants will prove dangerously reckless.

Meanwhile, standing in the wings, if not in the shadows, is Thor’s younger half-brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston), who covets the royal power for himself. I’m not giving anything away, because you can spot jealousy on Loki’s face within two seconds.

But Thor launches a commando raid on the Frost Giants that does not go well. If only he had the training of a Navy SEAL, there would probably have been a different outcome.

Instead, for his heroism in spite of a failed mission, Odin banishes Thor from the kingdom, sending him on a journey to present day New Mexico.

His first encounter is with scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) and her sidekick Darcy (Kat Dennings) and mentor, Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard).

As the Viking god out of his element, Thor speaks like a Shakespearean actor in an Olde English dialect and is obviously puzzled by the modern world.

Thor is also a wonder to behold, with his rippling muscles and charming demeanor. No wonder then that Jane is soon smitten. The chemistry between Thor and Jane is quite good, and sometimes very comical.

The action shifts back and forth between Earth and the realms of mystical worlds in the distant past. The effect of these changing spheres is very intriguing and goes far to explain the predicament for Thor.

On the terra firma of New Mexico, Thor finds that his powers elude him, thereby becoming a mere mortal who must survive on his wits. Odin sought to teach him a lesson in humility, and it appears to work.

Meanwhile, Loki has no interest in seeing his brother welcomed back into the Asgardian fold. His duplicity reaches new lows when acts of treachery betray the family heritage.

When Thor was cast from the kingdom, so too was the magical hammer that affords him superpowers. It is now in the hands of federal agents in dark suits who guard its presence at a secret desert location as if it were a new Area 51.

Thor and his human friends also encounter a new great danger in the arrival of a huge mechanical cast-iron destroyer who tears about the New Mexico village, tossing automobiles like they were milk cartons.

Retrieving the magical hammer becomes an imperative to saving the Earth and returning Thor to where he rightfully belongs. The use of it is just one more terrific special effect that is magnified on the IMAX screen.

“Thor” is brilliantly directed by Kenneth Branagh, a Shakespearean actor who knows a thing or two about epic tales and also has the masterful ability to bring a light, comic touch to the film.

For a summer blockbuster, “Thor” is a rousing adventure carried on the shoulders of another exciting Marvel Comics superhero.

TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL WRAP-UP

Don’t say I didn’t alert you to the good times of the TCM Classic Film Festival, recently concluded in Hollywood.

The festival sold out its passes, resulting in visitors from 49 states and five foreign countries.

Organizers have officially announced the third festival will happen in 2012, probably around the same time of year.

Meanwhile, I can tell you from personal experience that there is nothing better than seeing a nicely restored or digitally enhanced classic film on the big screen.

The Marx Brothers’ “A Night of the Opera” is hilarious, and all the better when seen with an audience.

I liked the little gem of Roger Corman’s low-budget “The Little Shop of Horrors,” which included a weirdly funny performance by a very young Jack Nicholson.

My only disappointment was that for the glorious screening of “Goldfinger” the director Guy Hamilton was unable, apparently due to health issues, to keep his appearance to discuss this classic James Bond film.

I am already looking forward to next year.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.