Thor: The Dark World parents guide

Thor: The Dark World Parent Guide

While the storyline may be missing, the visuals and special effects it offers are impressive. It also refuses to take itself too seriously, which is a nice diversion from darker superhero movies.

Overall B

Picking up the storyline after Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, this adventure finds the hammer-wielding superhero (Chris Hemsworth) trying to save Earth, the Nine Realms and especially Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) from the evil Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), leader of Svartalfheim.

Release date November 8, 2013

Violence C
Sexual Content B-
Profanity B
Substance Use B+

Why is Thor: The Dark World rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Thor: The Dark World PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content.

Run Time: 112 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

The reboot of the Marvel Comic Avengers characters has been a successful ride for Marvel Studios as they introduce a younger generation to their old superheroes. With eight movies in the can, and at least two more in the production or planning stages, these up-dated Avengers are getting plenty of screen time.

After appearing in Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers, the hammer-wielding hero from the city of Asgard (played by Chris Hemsworth), has been fighting marauders and restoring peace to the Nine Realms of the universe. Just when Thor thinks things are under control, he discovers his love interest on Earth, Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), has gone missing. Disregarding the commands of his father (Anthony Hopkins), he flies to the blue/green planet just as Jane returns from a ride down a wormhole. From all appearances, she looks fine. But when a group of London police officers try to arrest her, Jane sends them flying with the thrust of her arm.

Worried about the mysterious power that has invaded Jane’s body, Thor rushes her back to Asgard just as the evil Malekith (Christopher Eccleston) and his Dark Elves invade the city. Thor soon discovers that Malekith is there to retrieve Aether, the powerful force that now resides within Jane. Once he gets his hands on this evil weapon, Malekith plans to destroy the entire universe, including Earth. And unfortunately, even Thor’s heavy-handed fighting tactics aren’t enough to overcome such a villain on his own. So Thor goes down to the dungeon to solicit help from his imprisoned brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston). Of course he makes this visit without his father’s knowledge.

Don’t expect any deep messages or character development in this script. Thor might not be as hefty or gruff as the Hulk, but he’s not going to win any “man of the year awards” either, unless it’s at a hammer-throwing contest. Rather this film is about action—lots and lots of loud action. With what seems like even more battle scenes than the first Thor movie, there is an endless parade of swords, arrows and flame-throwing guns. Although it all remains fairly bloodless, the screenplay depicts some graphic stabbings and dismemberment.

While the storyline may be missing, the visuals and special effects it offers are impressive. The movie also refuses to take itself too seriously (a nice diversion for those of us who are not into the details of the comic book characters). The inclusion of humor, along with relatively few profanities and only a brief depiction of a nude character with particular body parts carefully pixilated, means the violence will be the biggest concern for families looking for an entertainment option.

Thankfully Thor learned about humility in his first big screen venture. This time he’s just dealing with invaders, familial trust issues and the looming reality of assuming his father’s throne. But that’s still quite a load to carry, even for his bulging biceps.

Directed by Alan Taylor. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Christopher Eccleston, Rene Russo, Anthony Hopkins. . Running time: 112 minutes. Theatrical release November 8, 2013. Updated

Thor: The Dark World
Rating & Content Info

Why is Thor: The Dark World rated PG-13? Thor: The Dark World is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content.

Violence: Frequent battle scenes involve swords, stabbings, flame-throwing guns and huge explosions—all of which result in numerous dead bodies lying on the battlefield. Characters are also kicked, punched and slapped. Cars are tossed around and people are thrown against objects. Some scenes depict minor amounts of blood. A dead body is placed on a pyre that is started on fire. Characters disappear into a type of black hole. A man is seen with a partially charred face after a battle. Dismemberment occurs during a battle. A grenade-like weapon is deployed on several occasions.

Sexual Content: A bare-chested man is seen. Characters kiss. A naked man runs around a public tourist attraction (his male anatomy is carefully pixilated). He is later seen wearing a shirt and his underwear.

Language: The script contains a few mild profanities, some terms of Deity and a couple of scatological slang terms.

Alcohol / Drug Use:Characters drink to celebrate a victory. A woman invites a man to have a drink with her.

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Thor: The Dark World Parents' Guide

How have past experiences broken the trust between Thor and Loki? Why can it be difficult to re-establish trust in a relationship even when both parties want it? (Of course in this case, Loki does not share a mutual desire to repair the relationship.)

Why does Thor say he would rather be a good man than a great king? What role can a great leader play in the welfare of his people? Is it possible to be both a good man and a great leader? What qualities does a great leader have?

What burial rituals does this movie depict?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Thor: The Dark World movie is February 25, 2014. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Thor: The Dark World

Release Date: 25 February 2014

Thor: The Dark World releases to home video (Blu-ray 3D/Blu-ray/Digital Copy) with the following extras:

- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King

- Six Deleted Scenes

- Featurette: A Brother’s Journey-Thor and Loki

- Gag Reel

- Audio Commentary with director Alan Taylor, producer Kevin Feige, actor Tom Hiddleston, and cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau.

Related home video titles:

This movie is a sequel to Thor and Marvel’s The Avengers. Chris Hemsworth plays another character determined to save the fairytale world in Snow White and the Huntsman. Natalie Portman became a household name after she appeared in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.

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