‘Sky’ candy

How you respond to “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” can be gauged by how you respond to its opening scene.

Within the first few moments, a terrific-looking zeppelin – the Hindenburg III, no less – floats gracefully above Manhattan’s shining towers and docks at the Empire State Building. Before long, there’s a clandestine rendezvous in an exquisitely rendered Radio City Music Hall, where “The Wizard of Oz” is the first-run attraction.

“Sky Captain’s” novel approach to computerized special effects works gloriously in these scenes, which comprise a valentine to the New York of our dreams. Directed by newcomer Kerry Conran and with a pedigreed cast headlined by Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, the film is literally one for the history books. It’s the first feature with completely computerized backgrounds, with actors performing entirely against a blue screen.

The spell diminishes when the action moves away from Manhattan. The storyline becomes cumbersome, and the visual effects display a few wrinkles. But the thrills of those opening segments will remain foremost in your memories.

Like “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” the film whose larky spirit Conran most obviously emulates, “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” manages to be both retro and futuristic. The action occurs in 1939, with intrepid reporter Polly Perkins (Paltrow) seeking to find out who is killing the world’s greatest scientists. Within 10 minutes, an air raid panics the urbanites, followed by an ominous march through Manhattan by a troop of giant robots.

So who you gonna call? Why, ace aviator Joe Sullivan (Law), the fearless sky captain of the title. As expected, Joe and Polly share a personal history and have scores of emotional baggage to unpack, but there’s little time for rehashing old times. They must fly to Nepal in hopes of saving the world from the wicked grasp of evil scientist Dr. Totenkopf.

Over virtually every mile of his flight, Sky Captain Sullivan requires the aid of dauntless, gadget-crazy engineer Dex (Giovanni Ribisi), who almost serves as Tonto to Law’s Lone Ranger of the skies.

Also making an appearance is aviatrix Capt. Francesca Cook, called Franky by her intimates, a list that definitely includes our hero. Played by Angelina Jolie, Franky struts, swaggers and wears a black eye-patch.

In limited footage, Jolie is captivating, as is most of the cast. The most restrained role is Law’s title character. After all, an ace aviator must concentrate largely on his aircraft, and Law scowls to excess. Still, it’s clear that the camera loves him.

Paltrow is delightful, but Polly Perkins is too obviously lifted from Lois Lane and other stereotypical “girl reporters” of old comics and serials. Still, Paltrow is not afraid to sometimes appear “annoying,” and, within the film’s framework of muted colors, nothing shines brighter than her red lipstick.

The talented Ribisi delivers the movie’s most memorable character. Dex is the brains to the Sky Captain’s brawn, but Ribisi’s clever performance transcends the nerdy sidekick role.

And, oh yes, Laurence Olivier makes an effective Dr. Totenkopf. Lord Larry left this world 15 years ago, but archival footage and computer wizardry resurrect his elegant, sometimes sinister persona.

Law and especially Paltrow are so vibrant, you expect their banter to match their luster. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow” is a film to look at but not always listen to. But the impact of many of its images is worth all the rest.