Thunderbolts* Movie Review

Thunderbolts*
Faith in Focus Movie Review
Written by Dr. Layne McDonald

Summary
Marvel’s Thunderbolts* (2025) carries a PG‑13 rating for “strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references” IMDb.

Under The Dove Foundation’s family‑friendly criteria, it is Not Dove Approved, given its frequent profanity and intense action Dove.org.

According to Kids‑In‑Mind, the film registers 7/10 for violence/gore and 3/10 for language, including at least one F‑word and multiple uses of “damn” and “hell,” with scenes of gunfire, superpowered brawls, and explosions Kids-In-Mind.com. 

Common Sense Media recommends it for ages 13+ due to mature themes of trauma and moral ambiguity The Washington Post. C

hristian parents seeking zero tolerance for profanity, gratuitous violence, or suggestive content should approach with caution and preview thoroughly before family viewing.

Ratings & Parental GuidanceSourceRating & NotesMPAAPG‑13 for strong violence, language, thematic elements, and some suggestive and drug references IMDb

Dove Foundation
Not Dove Approved — fails clean‑language and minimal‑violence criteria Dove.org

Kids‑In‑Mind
Violence/Gore: 7/10 (frequent superpowered fights, gunfire, explosions) 
Language: 3/10 (1 F‑word; “damn,” “hell”) Kids-In-Mind.com

Common Sense Media
Recommended age 13+ for mature themes, moderate violence, and occasional coarse language The Washington Post

Content BreakdownViolence & Action

• Intensity: Multiple sequences of strong violence—hand‑to‑hand combat, gunfire, and explosive stunts. Rated “Strong” by the MPAA and “7/10” for violence by Kids‑In‑Mind Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Superpowered Brawls: Characters like Yelena Belova and the Winter Soldier exchange punches, energy blasts, and vehicular destruction, with visible impacts and occasional spurts of blood Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Child Endangerment: A scene depicts a child witnessing an off‑screen shooting, heightening the film’s peril Kids-In-Mind.com.

Language & Profanity

• Frequency: At least one F‑word plus repeated “damn,” “hell,” and “crap” throughout tense exchanges, exceeding what many faith‑based families accept Kids-In-Mind.com.
• Tone: Banter includes sarcastic jabs and occasional coarse humor, undercutting moments of redemption Kids-In-Mind.com.

Sexuality & Suggestiveness

• Mild: Brief innuendo and mild suggestive references; no explicit scenes or nudity IMDb.

Thematic Elements

• Redemption & Trauma: Explores PTSD, betrayal, and moral compromise as the anti‑heroes grapple with their past sins The Washington Post.
• Ethical Ambiguity: Raises questions about loyalty, justice, and the ends justifying the means—complex topics for mature teens The Washington Post.

Age Appropriateness GradesAge GroupGrade (1–10)GuidanceUnder 101/10Intense violence and profanity make it unsuitable for pre‑teens.

10–12 2/10
Strong action and language—parents should pre‑view and heavily contextualize.

13–15 4/10
Recommended only with parental discussion of violence and moral themes.

16+ 6/10
​Mature teens may engage, but be prepared to address ethical ambiguity and coarse language.

Parental TakeawayThunderbolts* delivers blockbuster thrills but clashes with Christian families’ desire for clean entertainment. Its PG‑13rating underplays the frequency of profanity and intensity of violence that earn it a Not Dove Approved status. Parents who reject any use of the F‑word, gratuitous action, or moral compromise should either skip it or reserve viewing for late‑teen audiences, ensuring robust post‑movie conversations about forgiveness, the value of restraint, and the power of true redemption.

Downloadable Posters

1. Main Teaser Poster (High‑Res) Rotten Tomatoes
2. Character Ensemble Poster Rotten Tomatoes
3. Villain Spotlight – Taskmaster

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