Boasting gaudy headgear and magical hammers, the heroes and villains of "Thor" don't share the more relatable characteristics of other comic book personalities.

Unless you are an expert in Norse mythology, Marvel Comics' God of Thunder is probably the least accessible of its popular "Avengers" characters. "Thor" the movie embraces those nerdy roots but provides casual moviegoers with enough Earthbound drama and humor to access the storytelling.

Chris Hemsworth, most known for his brief role as Kirk's father in the "Star Trek" reboot, also turns in a star-making performance as the arrogant but charming hero.

Kenneth Branagh proves to be the perfect guy to direct the fantastical side of "Thor." His experience in Shakespearean high drama is directly applicable to Thor's complicated family life in the realm of Asgard. After bullish Thor launches a premeditated attack on the Frost Giants, his father, King Odin (Anthony Hopkins), strips Thor of his powers and banishes him to Earth.

Odin also banishes his son's power source, his hammer, but like Excalibur, the weapon can only be pulled out of the ground by its true owner (and/or whenever Odin darn well feels like giving it back).

Banished to the New Mexico desert, Thor meets up with scientists Jane (Natalie Portman), Dr. Selvig (Stellan Skarsgard) and assistant Darcy (Kat Dennings). Thor continues to act like a spoiled God in a series of amusing fish-out-of-water moments, and eventually Jane begins to fancy the handsome fella.

Thor's adventures in the desert intercut with the Asgard-set plotting of his brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). He wants the throne and seems to have no problem with Thor rotting in New Mexico.

Despite two distinct settings, the storytelling of "Thor" is cohesive and well-paced. The movie doesn't waste time over-explaining details, and Thor gets to show off his impressive powers in a first-act battle sequence.

To keep its breakneck pace, the movie rushes through important scenes between Thor and Jane, making their eventual coupling feel somewhat unearned. Hemsworth and Portman are the movie's strongest assets, and sometimes "Thor" spends too much time away from them.

Like "Iron Man 2" last year, "Thor" spends precious minutes on setting up the eventual plot of "The Avengers," which will unite the God of Thunder with other Marvel heroes next year. While I wish these movies could focus more on the standalone adventure, S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Coulson (Clark Gregg) is an amusing character to tie the strands together. For those interested in even more "Avengers" teasers, be sure to stay until after the end credits.

For a movie so heavy on mythology, "Thor" is more light-hearted and accessible than expected. Branagh may not be best equipped to handle large-scale action sequences, but he nails the smaller character moments that drive the film's overall success.

And yes, ladies, Hemsworth takes his shirt off.

Grade: B

Ticket Stubs is sponsored by the Hayden Cinema Six Theater. Tyler Wilson can be reached at [email protected].