Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Thor: Love and Thunder is a weird one. It's got Taika Waititi's signature visual flair and offbeat humor, which worked brilliantly in Ragnarok, but here it feels like he's trying too hard. The movie can't commit—it wants to be a goofy rom-com AND a serious meditation on mortality AND a cosmic adventure, and it ends up being none of those things particularly well.

The good: It looks stunning. Jane's storyline is genuinely moving when the film lets it breathe. Christian Bale is doing serious work as Gorr. There are moments of real heart.

The bad: Those moments get immediately undercut by a joke about screaming goats or Thor making a quip. The pacing is rushed. The villain's motivation is compelling but gets shortchanged. The critical reception tells the story—this is the lowest-rated MCU Thor film, and that Letterboxd score (2.4/5) is rough.

For families: It's fine. It's a Marvel movie. Your MCU-loving kids will probably enjoy it, though they might not remember much about it afterward. Just know that Gorr is genuinely unsettling (think Voldemort-level creepy) and the cancer subplot requires emotional readiness. If your kid loved Ragnarok, temper expectations—this is the messier younger sibling.

Age Fit

Best for 11-14 year olds who can handle creepy villains and heavy themes but still enjoy Marvel's signature humor. Younger MCU fans might find Gorr too scary; older teens may roll their eyes at the constant jokes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Marvel's signature humor and camaraderie are present, with themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption. However, the film leans heavily into Taika Waititi's comedic style which sometimes undercuts emotional moments. Models cooperation and teamwork, though the tone can be uneven—oscillating between goofy jokes and serious stakes in ways that may feel jarring. The villain's tragic backstory adds depth but also introduces heavy themes of loss and vengeance that require emotional maturity.

Imaginative

72

Visually inventive with vibrant cosmic landscapes, shadow realm sequences, and creative action choreography. The concept of Jane Foster wielding Mjolnir adds a fresh twist to the Thor mythology. Gorr as a villain brings philosophical questions about faith and power. However, the film retreads familiar MCU territory and doesn't push boundaries as much as it could—it's more 'fun' than genuinely groundbreaking. The humor sometimes overshadows the imaginative potential of the premise.

Safe

75

Typical MCU action violence—fantasy combat, energy blasts, sword fighting—but no gore or graphic content. Gorr is legitimately creepy and menacing (Christian Bale's performance is unsettling), which could frighten younger viewers. There's a cancer subplot with Jane that's handled sensitively but is emotionally heavy. Some mild innuendo and suggestive humor (the screaming goats, Thor's brief nudity played for laughs). Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which feels appropriate. No surprise graphic content, but the villain's intensity and the disease storyline require readiness.

Enriching

58

Explores themes of mortality, legacy, and what makes life meaningful, particularly through Jane's cancer journey. Gorr's motivation raises questions about faith, justice, and the responsibilities of power. However, the film's relentless quippiness often deflates these deeper moments before they can land. It's entertaining but doesn't leave much to chew on—the emotional beats feel rushed and the philosophical questions are raised but not deeply explored. Mixed critical reception (64% RT, 6.1 IMDb, 2.4/5 Letterboxd) suggests it's divisive even among fans. More spectacle than substance.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gorgeous visuals and creative cosmic settings that feel like a psychedelic rock album cover come to life
Jane Foster's storyline adds emotional weight and representation of serious illness handled with dignity
Classic Marvel team-up fun with Valkyrie, Korg, and the Guardians making appearances
Raises interesting questions about faith, power, and what gods owe their believers
Christian Bale's Gorr is genuinely menacing and complex—a villain with real motivation

⚠

What to Watch For

Gorr the God Butcher is legitimately creepy—pale, shadowy, and intense in ways that could scare kids under 10
Jane's cancer journey is touching but heavy; be ready to talk about serious illness and mortality
The humor is CONSTANT and often undercuts emotional moments—some kids (and adults) will find this annoying
Brief nudity played for laughs (Thor's bare butt) and some mild sexual innuendo with the screaming goats

Conversation Starters

"Gorr lost his faith after tragedy—what do you think makes someone lose trust in something they believed in?"
"Jane kept fighting even when she was sick. What does courage look like when you're facing something scary?"
"The movie makes a lot of jokes during serious moments. Did that make it easier to watch or did it bother you?"
"If you had Thor's power, what would you use it for? What responsibilities come with that kind of strength?"

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