 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Thor
- Review Date: April 30, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Surprisingly complex superhero action-adventure.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this comic book-based action movie about the Norse god Thor (played by up-and-comer Chris Hemsworth), who's banished to Earth to master his temper and discover his humility, has some fairly intense action/battle scenes. But although characters hit, spear, stab, and blow up their enemies, and weapons are used, the violence isn't particularly bloody or gory. There also isn't much swearing -- "hell" is about as forceful as it gets -- or sex (just kisses/flirting), and drinking is limited to some beer consumption. And underlying all of the mayhem, there's even a positive message about finding and learning from your weakness.
What's the story?
After his son Thor (Chris Hemsworth) storms Yodenheim -- the realm that the Norse gods' native Asgard has been in an uncertain peace with for eons -- because of an unexpected attack from the Frost Giants, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) banishes him and his hammer to Earth. There, Thor literally runs into an astrophysicist (Natalie Portman) who impresses him; he also learns humility and grace. Meanwhile, Thor's brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) has risen to power as Odin lies in a restless sleep. The Frost Giants are out for revenge, and everywhere, including Earth, is in peril.
Is it any good?
Armed with lessons about international politics and diplomacy, THOR is an entertaining, surprisingly astute film defined by top-shelf special effects and a compelling, if crowded, storyline. The initial political fracas that leads to Thor's banishment is United Nations-worthy. (Who says fantasy movies can't be cerebral?) Nearly every character is somewhat layered, especially Loki, who's played to chilling effect by Hiddleston.
Still, it's disappointing that Jane is -- par for the course for most comic book-movie love interests -- rather flimsily drawn. No matter how sensible and smart she is, she crumbles at the sight of an impressive six-pack. (Okay, 8-pack.) It's an annoyance, but not a spoiler. Thor is fun to watch, period.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how this movie compares to other comic book-based adventures. Are these kind of movies only popular because they offer an escape, or is there more to them? What messages do they send?
Does the film make Norse mythology applicable to today's society? How?
How does the fact that much of the movie's violence is based in fantasyaffect its impact?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Perfect for double digits children and adults.
Action packed film with plenty of special effects. Some scenes would be frightening for young children (huge monster, evil looking ice people, firey robot) and there is much violence (battle scenes and pedestrian/car collision). A great film, but for those seasoned in action film.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Sexual content missed by reviewers
Alright, there is just one thing I want to let people about this movie. In one scene where Thor is speaking with another guy at a counter in a bar, there is a suggestively posed colored nude female torso on the wall in the background behind them. The camera is focused on the speakers so it is blurred enough that a lot of people probably won’t even notice what it is, but it is also clear enough that I noticed it the first time I saw the movie and it made me uncomfortable. All the movie review sites I have been to seem to have missed it but I think it definitely deserves a mention. I know that in a lot of PG-13 movies this would probably seem like nothing, but Thor is a pretty clean movie otherwise and will probably attract a more conservative crowd who very possibly would be bothered by this.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Shame on Paramount Pictures and the Director
Since when is inappropriate language acceptable at 13+? My son loves Thor and have been waiting months for it to come to theaters. Why is it necessary to have language of that sort in a movie for children? My son is not exposed to it in the home and its irresponsible for me as a parent to allow it to be in his hearing. Not a sermon, just a thought.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
okay for kids
great movie brought our 6 year old who loves comics..... he was so into the movie he didn't say a word the whole time... the movie was the best i've seen in a long ... besides some drinking and a few cuse words it was a good family movie
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Non-gory Violence, but Good Messages
I took my 10-year-old son to this movie before reading the reviews (my wife said she read some reviews and it was okay), and if I would have read the reviews before the movie, I might not have taken my son. There is a lot of violence, but none of it seems to be gory, and none is realistic.
Even though this is an action movie and it is not meant to be complicated, it is a bit too complicated for many 10-12-year-olds to comprehend. There are some plot twists, but mostly, there are a number of lesser characters that keep popping up, and the number of characters may be confusing to some. It is not a must-see movie, and if you don't let your child watch violence, stay clear of this one.
I notice that Common Sense Media links this movie to Iron Man, The Dark Knight, and Spider-Man. I would not let my 10-year-old watch any of those movies (maybe the first Spider-Man), but this one was okay. Almost on the line, though.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Loved this move and it was excellent for my 7 year old. Yes there are battles, but little or no blood. It's Thor, of course he is going to do battle.
I like this movie for it's story. A good story for a 7 year old about Thor's bad self centered choices and how his father teaches him a lesson and brings out the good person that Thor is on the inside.
Take your kids!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
the power of thor
awesome movie, with lots of "end-of-the-world" action. some swear words like "hell" and "dumba**"
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great movie; Good for ages 10+
I loved this movie, and I think it's great for ages 10+.
Consumerism isn't that apparent, with product placement for a cereal and some things in the background. Thor is part of Marvel's movie arc, so of course they're going to mention Iron Man. Two other Marvel characters also make an appearance.
The battle scenes weren't bloody at all, but could be intense for younger kids. One family did have to take their child out of the theater - the kid looked to be about 5. If your kid gets scared easy by monsters or battle scenes, don't see this.
That being said, the role models were great - Jane, the scientist, won't back down on her beliefs and is strong in her convictions; Odin, Thor's father, is a just ruler, who wants peace for his realm and wants Thor to be the best ruler he can be. Thor starts off the movie as an arrogant prince, akin to the star football player of Asgard. Through the movie he learns to be selfless and wise.
There's only one scene where drinking is prevalent (it's only on the side in the Asgard scenes) and a scientist is shown drunk, with Thor having to carry him back to his house.
There were only minor curse words, and nothing big like the S or F words.
There was one long kiss and comments on Thor's physique.
It's a great movie, and was amazing in 3D. If you plan on seeing any of the other movies Marvel Studios is putting out within the next couple of years (Captain America; Avengers; etc) stay after the credits for Thor!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
OK for older tweens who like lots of action and explosions and don't mind stiff dialog, hammy acting, and a silly script
It's a very by-the-books redo of aThor comic book adventure with a little Shakespeare and a little (very little) humor mixed in. Natalie Portman is terrible in this film but all of the other actors are passable in their cliche'd roles. There is some crude language, but it's in very small doses and would go unnoticed by the average 12-year-old who hears it all at school anyway. There is a lot of violence but almost all of it is against monsters and very little/no blood. Weapons of choice in this movie are swords, hammers, and fire by the way.
It's basically an action adventure with stiff dialogue and very clear good guys and bad guys, just perfect for tween/teen boys.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Weak
Okay, I'm twelve, and those blue people terrified me. I mean, if they bother me, what will a poor little 5, 6, or 7 year old think? And these blue people aren't Na'vi. They're DISTURBING. Also, WAY TOO LOUD!!!!!! I saw it in theaters and left half deaf!!!!!!!!
The storyline was decidedly weak, and the romance was HORRIBLE, so unless you're a total tomboy, girls, don't watch. However, boys of all ages will totally love this.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Topics: | superheroes |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Kenneth Branagh |
| Cast: | Anthony Hopkins, Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 114 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 6, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | September 12, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence |
Review It
Video review
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
