Branagh's "Thor" tops British box office

British actor and director Kenneth Branagh's foray into the world of superheroes, "Thor," raced to the top of the British box office in its opening weekend with a solid 5.4 million pound ($8.9 million) take, according to Screen International on Wednesday.

The God of Thunder -- a Marvel Comics staple -- is the first of several superheroes coming to movie screens this summer, among them Green Lantern and Captain America.

Last week's chart-topper "Fast and Furious 5" was down in second place, with horror newcomer "Insidious" making its debut in third place.

The two animated macaws of "Rio" were down two places at four, with Russell Brand and Helen Mirren in the remake of "Arthur" down at five from three.

"Scream 4" was down two spots at six, just above the bunnies of "Hop" who were down one place at seven.

"Beastly" slipped three places to eight with its modern retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story, while Jake Gyllenhaal and Michelle Monaghan were down one spot at nine with action thriller "Source Code."

Another traditional tale, "Red Riding Hood," was down three places at 10.

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