Thor: Love and Thunder is an epic galactic adventure that is filled with humor and heart. Wondering if Thor: Love and Thunder is kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG-13 rating, in my Thor: Love and Thunder Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER Parents Guide + Movie Review
We last saw Thor (Chris Hemsworth) in Avengers: Endgame, heading off with The Guardians of the Galaxy. If you remember correctly, Thor let himself go a bit and was rocking a “dad bod.” During his time with The Guardians, we see him reclaiming that “God Bod,” he is well-known (and loved) for.
In fact, if you’re completely new to Thor’s story, you’ll get a brief rundown in the beginning of the film — complete with an adorable baby Thor and all!
It’s nice to see the friendships Thor has formed with The Guardians of the Galaxy, especially with Star-Lord. Thor has always been a bit of a loner and is afraid to get close to people. However, this is not a story about him teaming up with The Guardians — it’s only a small intro to lead into the main event, so to say.
Don’t worry though, we still get one heck of a killer soundtrack!
Christian Bale as Gorr the God Butcher
A new MCU film brings a new villain, and boy is he creepy. Christian Bale plays Gorr the God Butcher, and he’s every bit as terrifying as he sounds.
Of course with every villain comes a backstory and Gorr’s is gut wrenching. You can absolutely feel his pain and almost, ALMOST understand why he is the way he is. However, any sort of emotion you could feel towards him will wash away with his sinister actions. He’s evil to the core, and Bale portrays this brilliantly.
Gorr is on a mission to obliterate all of the Gods. He kidnaps the children from New Asgard and brings them to the Shadow Realm. He uses them as a lure to bait Thor.
Jane Foster Returns
It’s been eight years, seven months, and six days, give or take, since Thor has seen his ex-girlfriend, Jane (Natalie Portman). Not that he’s keeping track or anything. Not only does seeing her surprise him, but she has his old Mjolnir and she’s dressed just like him! Clearly a lot of time has passed and these two have much to catch up on, but one thing is for certain, they have undeniable chemistry.
Portman really upped the ante with Jane’s character this time around. She’s really hilarious, and I loved the relationship between her and King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson). I actually wish the two of them had more screen time because it was a major dose of girl power. Each time they were together was better than the last!
Brilliant Cinematography
Marvel films are not shy for pulling out some impressive visuals, and Thor: Love and Thunder certainly doesn’t disappoint. You will want to see this movie on a massive screen to truly appreciate the special effects. Everything is done with precision and it comes across onscreen perfectly.
IS THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:
If your kids are anything like mine, they’ve been anxiously awaiting the release of the latest film featuring the God of Thunder. Thor is such a fun character and it’s only natural he’s a favorite of younger viewers. However, Phase 4 of the MCU has been much darker. I’m talking to you, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Is Thor: Love and Thunder too scary for kids?
Thor: Love and Thunder has an MPAA rating of PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, some suggestive material and partial nudity. It has a runtime of 1 hour 59 minutes. Here’s what parents need to know before watching Thor: Love and Thunder with their children.
Violence
Right off the bat, you know there is going to be violence. I mean, Thor has a hammer that he uses as a weapon. There are a lot of supernatural fighting scenes. Throwing spears, axes, hammers, and other weapons are used. I would compare the violence to your typical Marvel movies.
Language
I was actually expecting much worse. However you will hear words like: Hell, shut-up, damn, and stupid. Shit and shitty are used in abundance. There is also mention of an orgy. Fingers crossed it goes over your kids heads.
Mature Content
Gorr kidnaps a group of children, which could be frightening for little ones. Drinking alcohol is shown. One of the characters has a terminal illness. This has the potential to be triggering for anyone relating to that situation.
As for the partial nudity…you will see Thor’s behind. Yes, the entire backside. Let’s just say his God bod is back.
Age Recommendation
I feel like this is such a tricky question, because it really depends on your child. Both my 8 and 12 year old kids saw Thor: Love and Thunder with me, and they loved it. They have also seen every single Marvel movie…even Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (however, not in the theater). My 8 year old is my big time Marvel lover and proclaimed this his new favorite movie. If your kids have seen the other Marvel movies, then this will be fine. However, if they are new to the MCU, I’d recommend Thor: Love and Thunder for ages 12 and up.
Overall Thoughts
Thor: Love and Thunder is a BLAST! Packed with action, humor, and a KILLER soundtrack. While the story is often lighthearted, there are many emotional moments weaved throughout. There is a metaphor that the new, younger generation is going to take the world by storm. Take that as you will, but it personally gives me hope for our own future. Our children we’re raising today are growing up to be extraordinary individuals. They’re fearless. They’re strong, and they’re going to change the world.
Overall, Thor: Love and Thunder is worthy, bringing both the thunder and the love. A very welcome addition to the MCU phase 4.
One more thing…there are TWO post credit scenes that you won’t want to miss. Both of them are full of surprises!
Thor: Love and Thunder Synopsis
The film finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods. To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS THOR: LOVE AND THUNDER PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE SEEING it IN THEATERS?!
Looking for more parents guides and movie reviews? Don’t miss these posts HERE!
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