Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heroes work together in explosive comic-book adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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The Avengers
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 134 parent reviews
Based on 475 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a great introduction to the superhero genre, filled with action and compelling role models, particularly Captain America. While it features some violence and strong language, many feel it is appropriate for older children, ideally those aged 10 and up, especially if they can handle intense themes.
- superhero action
- role models
- age recommendation
- strong language
- violence levels
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE AVENGERS, when the powerful villain Loki (Tom Hiddleston) appears on Earth in search of the Tesseract, a mysterious artifact that holds limitless energy, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), the head of the secret organization S.H.I.E.L.D., realizes it's going to take some equally powerful heroes to save the planet. So he calls in the toughest team he can find -- Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), expert archer Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner), and skilled assassin Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) -- known collectively as The Avengers. The fate of the planet hangs in the balance ... can Loki be stopped?
Is It Any Good?
Quick-witted and nuanced, this movie takes the best of the genre -- iconic heroes fighting for truth and justice -- and dishes it out in a fanboy-pleasing, edge-of-your seat way. Superhero movies are a dime a dozen these days, so when you chance upon a gem like The Avengers, thank the comic book gods. There's great chemistry, especially between loose cannon Tony Stark/Iron Man (Downey, perfect as usual) and skittish Bruce Banner (Ruffalo, adding great depth) and also between Stark and the starchy, unquestioning Captain America. The banter is believable, even when it's not always easy. And Hiddleston is a fearsome delight as the insecure, approval-hungry Loki.
The Avengers starts with a long-winded set-up -- unavoidable, perhaps, given the characters' many backstories but still mildly annoying -- and the Tesseract at the heart of the conflict soon takes a backseat to the heroes themselves. But no matter: Director Joss Whedon knows his way around compelling, flawed, conflicted superheroes, and he masterfully brings these characters alive in all their complex glory.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Avengers. How does the fact that much of it is larger than life affect its impact? How is it different watching invading aliens get hurt than human characters?
How does this film compare to other superhero stories? Do you prefer hero movies with just one star, or do you think this collaboration style is better?
Are the Avengers role models? Are some of them "worthier" than others? Why or why not? How do they demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why is Loki so bent on dominating the world? Who is he trying to impress? Is this all just a family feud?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 4, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : September 25, 2012
- Cast : Chris Evans , Chris Hemsworth , Robert Downey Jr.
- Director : Joss Whedon
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 143 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, and a mild drug reference
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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