Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Surprisingly complex superhero action-adventure.
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Thor
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 75 parent reviews
Based on 202 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed bag, with many finding the effects and action solid but critiquing the plot as mediocre and overly simplistic. While some appreciate the film's character development and themes of humility, others feel it lacks depth and is inconsistent, making it less engaging for older viewers.
- mixed reviews
- good effects
- character development
- simplistic plot
- family-friendly
- some violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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, this 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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Thor 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?
What makes humility a theme of the movie? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 6, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : September 12, 2011
- Cast : Chris Hemsworth , Natalie Portman , Tom Hiddleston , Anthony Hopkins
- Director : Kenneth Branagh
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Superheroes
- Character Strengths : Humility
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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