Thor

3 Paws
Seen recently at Aksarben Cinema

Every kid needs a Heimdall. This extraordinary keeper of the watch, whose loyalty and fierceness leave you wide-eyed and breathless, is my favorite Thor character. There's a whole lot more about the film to enjoy, though, even if you aren't a comic book nerd.

Where oh where did they find Chris Hemsworth? With his long blonde mane and towering physique, he looks like an All-Star wrestler ready for make-believe battle on the mat. In the end, it's his charm and humor that win over the audience. Anthony Hopkins sports a series of the greatest eye patches I've ever seen, including one that's part of his head armor. His Odin lends an air of substance to the film that might not be there if another actor had attempted the role. The casting of Clark Gregg (I just saw him in an old Sex and the City episode where he was one of Miranda's speed dates who lied about being an emergency room doctor) as Agent Coulson was a stroke of genius. He's got just the right look and right amount of sarcasm to pull off the one-liners.

The female characters, on the other hand, are mostly throw-a-ways (surprise, surprise). Be sure to sit through the credits for a glimpse of what's next for this guy and his hammer.

Bonus Bones: 2
Pay attention to the pet shop that Thor enters in search of a horse. There's a quick shot of an adorable pen of puppies, but if you blink, you'll miss it.