The Thundermans Return
Detailed parental analysis
The Thundermans Return is a light and cheerful family comedy, a revival of a successful television series designed for children and pre-teens. The plot brings together a sibling group of superheroes who must overcome their internal tensions to face a new threat. The tone is decidedly festive and without rough edges, conceived for an audience between 8 and 12 years old.
Underlying Values
The film structures its narrative around family cohesion and teamwork, with the idea that group unity takes precedence over individual ambitions. An underlying message also emerges about self-acceptance: the younger characters discover that being true to themselves is more effective than trying to please others or imitate them. These are solid values and consistent with the intended age group, even if they are delivered with fairly didactic frankness, without great narrative subtlety.
Discrimination
The film reproduces without critical distance the cliché of the scatterbrained blonde, a stereotype sufficiently visible to warrant discussion with a child. This type of shortcut, even presented in a comedic tone, normalises an association between physical appearance and intelligence. This is a useful angle for discussion after viewing, particularly as the film offers no explicit counterweight to this character.
Parental and Family Portrayals
The parental figure is treated in exaggerated comedy mode: parents are portrayed as helicopter parents who spy on their children, which generates absurd situations. The film does not really explore the issues of trust or autonomy that underpin this type of family dynamic; it uses them primarily as a comedic device. It is, however, a concrete starting point for a conversation about what children feel in the face of perceived excessive surveillance.
Violence
Violence is exclusively cartoonish and physical, in the tradition of slapstick. No character is truly harmed and the mishaps remain light. This level of violence poses no difficulty for the intended audience.
Language
The language remains very mild, with a few colloquial expressions without real vulgarity. Nothing that warrants particular attention for a child of 8 years and older.
Strengths
The film fulfils its contract for unpretentious family entertainment: the pace is brisk, the physical gags work for the younger viewers, and the group dynamic among well-established characters offers a certain warmth. The correction of Mrs Wong's character, whose caricatured accent had been abandoned compared to the original series, testifies to a welcome awareness, albeit a late one. Beyond that, the film does not aspire to much beyond entertainment and makes no claim to do so.
Age recommendation and discussion points
The film is suitable from 8 years old without reservation. Two angles warrant discussion after viewing: why the blonde character is systematically presented as less intelligent than the others, and what children think of parents who secretly monitor their children, between protection and lack of trust.
Synopsis
Twins Phoebe and Max are enjoying their superhero lifestyle, but when one 'save' goes awry, the Thundermans are sent back to Hiddenville. While Hank and Barb enjoy their return, and Billy and Nora look forward to a normal high school life, Max and Phoebe are determined to regain their superhero status.
About this title
- Format
- Feature film
- Year
- 2024
- Runtime
- 1h 10m
- Countries
- United States of America
- Original language
- EN
- Directed by
- Trevor Kirschner
- Main cast
- Kira Kosarin, Jack Griffo, Addison Riecke, Diego Velazquez, Maya Le Clark, Chris Tallman, Rosa Blasi, Dana Snyder, Paul F. Tompkins, Michael Wayne Foster
- Studios
- Nickelodeon Productions
Content barometer
- Violence1/5Mild
- Fear1/5Mild
- Sexuality0/5None
- Language1/5Mild
- Narrative complexity0/5Simple
- Adult themes0/5None
Watch-outs
- Gender stereotypes
Values conveyed
- Friendship
- Acceptance of difference
- Perseverance
- Loyalty
- family
- teamwork
- responsibility
- accountability