With the Marvel Cinematic Universe heading towards “Doomsday,” I’m taking a look back in the archives for my original “Thor” review. I interviewed stars Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman and director Kenneth Branagh as I recall at the 2010 Comic-Con International in San Diego in the lead-up to the 2011 blockbuster. Hemsworth was at the time best-known for playing James Kirk’s father in a short role in the 2009 “Star Trek” reboot. He bulked up here to carry a franchise.

Original version first published May 2011 in The Oklahoman. From personal files.

Marvel Entertainment unveils a new character in its cinematic pantheon with “Thor,” starring Chris Hemsworth as the otherworldly god of thunder, cast to Earth for his hubris by his father, Odin, the ruler of Asgard.  

On Earth, he meets the lovely astrophysicist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who is studying the dimensional portals that the Asgardians use to travel between the various realms.  In ancient Norse times, the Asgardians used this bridge to travel to Earth, where they were revered as gods. Now, Thor has none of his vaunted might, nor does he have his enchanted hammer Mjolnir.  But it’s also fallen to Earth, with an enchantment from Odin:  Whosoever holds this hammer, if he be worthy, shall possess the power of Thor.  

In Thor’s absence, his mischievous brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has designs on the throne of Asgard, and on making Thor’s banishment permanent.   

Thor, as played by Hemsworth, is arrogant but lovable, and his development over the course of the movie shows Thor growing into his responsibilities.   

Kenneth Branagh was a fine choice to direct Marvel Comics’ version of a Shakespearean epic; he imbues the proceedings with a pleasant mix of levity amongst the battles and backstabbing.   Good performances by Hiddleston and Hemsworth as feuding brothers anchor the film.   The romance never quite coalesces, and the 3-D doesn’t add much at all to the experience, but flaws can be forgiven in a blockbuster that’s this fun to watch.   And Hemsworth is his own special effect, with a six-pack that defies all reason.

“Thor” is enjoyable on its own, but also does a nice job putting some pieces in play for the upcoming “Avengers” film, which will star Hemsworth’s Thor alongside Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man and Chris Evans’ Captain America in 2012.   

Matthew Price, matthew@matthewlprice.com, has written about the comics, film and entertainment for more than two decades. He is the former features editor of The Oklahoman newspaper and is the co-owner of Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman, Oklahoma.