OK for kids 13+
Surprisingly complex superhero action-adventure.
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.
- 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?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's subtext seems to be that "an eye for an eye" only ends up with everyone blind. The film also conveys the message that just governance requires wisdom and humility.
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Role models: A king wants to raise a son who's not only strong and courageous but also thoughtful and wise. A brother rates family loyalty very highly, though another struggles with it. And a smart scientist won't compromise her research.
What to watch for
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Violence: Plenty of action-packed battle sequences that have characters hitting, slamming, spearing, stabbing, lancing, and blowing up enemies. Much of it is done with special effects, so they're not exactly gory. Still, they're intense. Lots of screaming; a character charges into a top-secret location, tossing and punching those who stand in his way. Guns are drawn.
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Sex: Some kisses. Characters comment on others' physique.
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Language: Language is rare -- just a couple of uses of words like "damn," "hell," "ass," and "oh my God."
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Consumerism: Some strategically placed cereal boxes and a mention of a character in another comic book hero movie, Iron Man.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some hearty ale-drinking at Norse revelries. Two men guzzle beer at a bar.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Go Marvel! by JonathanBlaisdell
Had my doubts but Thor turned out great! It's amazing how many great movies Marvel has made. If you havent seen you can watch at flickgátewày .com
5
Never Would Have Believed It by jkiewit
I had no desire whatsoever to go see Thor when I saw the previews...alas my brother did so I decided to give it a go. Good god, I have never been more surprised by a movie in my life. There is not a moment in this movie that I wished I could press the fast forward button in the theatre, in captured my interest from the beginning until the final scene. With breathtaking visuals and tremendous acting, there is absolutely no reason not to go see this movie. If you are debating on whether or not to take your younger children to this movie, there is violence yes, but the bloodshed is extrememly limited to a few scrapes and bruises, and the language is limited as well to a few mild curse words. Appropriate for ages 9+ I would say. Hands down, my favorite movie I have seen in 2011. GO SEE THIS MOVIE!
4
Great Summer Movie to Watch! by pictouch
Thor was, by far, an entrance for the SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS! The movie had a plot, which I liked a lot. The action scenes are very good, and there are plenty... The character development swayed from one character to another, which kinda left an eerie feeling. The acting was better than I expected it to be. Unfortunately, they made the plot too short for the love scenes to make an "awwing" effect, so sometimes it felt like it was to extravagant. The lines that Thor said were cheesy at some points; just when the movie was hitting the climax. To me, there should be another Thor sequel, but don't worry, there will absolutely will be one in The Avengers. Totally a must watch for the family!
5
THOR ROCKS!!! by bethdaniels
Thor was a great action film but also beautiful. The set designs were wonderful . Thor had a great body. Great "eye candy" for the ladies. My husband, a comic book know-it-all, siad it was pretty good and like the way they put the film together. The story flowed nicely and was fun to watch. Costums/make-up, whether computer generated or not, were outstanding.
A must see!!!
5
THOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! by TheBearJew\m/
Thor was an epic film. The makers of this film really pulled together a silly concept and made it a worthwhile experience. The biggest props go out to Chris Hemsworth. It was a challenge to not only bring Thor to life on the big screen, but to have a more young and unknown actor fill such big shoes. But Hemsworth carries this film entirely on his shoulders. He is incredibly brash, utilizes the language of the Norse God incredibly well, and actually has great comic timing while he is on Earth. This movie was actually pretty funny. Director Kenneth Branagh knew how to mix together the action, drama, and comedy, and it really all came together. And Tom Hiddleston was excellent as Loki. He used his eyes to show the deep evil that was in him, and you just knew he was always up to something. It wasn't an over-the-top loony villain. He contained himself and let his eyes do all the work. The action was quite solid, and all of Thor's hammer combat was utilized perfectly. Go see it.
3
Thor is half a bore by kraduate
Thor is mediocre. It had enough action to keep me interested but overall it was flat and uninspired. Comic book, superhero, mythology type movies need to rely more on script and less on visual. Thor is lacking the passion I felt like I should feel.
4
Entertaining, but not the best Avenger by JustLuvMovies
I had to see this movie since Thor is one of the Avengers. Out of all the Avengers movies Thor is my least favorie, but nonetheless very entertaining. Thor is more of the "supernatural" (gods) or alien race (i.e. SuperMan) based hero vs Technology based (i.e. Iron Man, Hulk, Captain America)...so Thor was just less "believable". Anyway, I'm nitpicking.
Enjoy the movie and go see it (or rent it at this point).
4
The Mighty Thor brings about a mighty movie!!!! by seanc2k
This movie was cool. Cool story, action, and the actor playing the Thor fit pretty well to the comic book legend in terms of looks, and acting. Actor Chris Hemsworth played his part well, and obviously worked out to bring to life the Mighty Thor as he looks totally different than playing Captain Kirk's father in the sci-fi hit reboot Star Trek. This is an overall awesome movie to watch, and if you didn't see it at the movies, watch it on DVD, it is worth it.
1
what by jess crush
this has to be the worst mistake i ever made seeing this movie it was just so bad and boring i literaly fell a sleep in my seat and did not wake up until the movie was over so sad that i spent money to see this movie and will be more careful next time well i guess you live and learn dont you lol
5
Great Eye Candy if you are a heterosexual woman by Chiss_Athena
Truly enjoyed the movie. Loved Chris as Thor. The love story between Jane and Thor was too fast - needed more time to develop as they did in Green Lantern. Otherwise I love this movie better than Ironman 2. Like Pepper in the first Ironman, I love Jane's character - Strong and Independent, but still sensitive to the people they care about.