Is the new Marvel television series on Disney+ ok for children? Loki Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parent guide to the Disney Plus streaming TV show. No spoilers! #Loki May contain commissioned links.
Loki Review | Safe for Kids?
Weird. Intense. And now, sneaky?
The god of mischief lives again in the newest Marvel mini-series, Loki. And I have to say, of all of the upcoming Marvel shows, this is the one that I’ve been waiting for. With Tom Hiddleston at the wheel and so many “unknown” variables in play, the Marvel possibilities are endless. But after a surprising WandaVision season and an intense The Falcon and the Winter Soldier release, will the god of mischief be up to no good when it comes to family time?
In this Loki Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full TV-14 rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested for this six episode Disney+ series. A no-spoiler parent review of the television show, how does Loki compare to WandaVision, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and the Marvel movies that we love? And most importantly, is Loki ok for kids?
The Visuals
Per the usual, Marvel doesn’t disappoint in the visuals department. CGI worlds, explosives, action sequences and camera tricks, Loki is what we would all hope from a Marvel show. At 51 minutes for episode one and 54 minutes for episode two, there are certainly a lot of Loki goodness (badness?) to take in.
The Story
If WandaVision story was odd and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier story was intense, where does Loki lead us? Good question. Loki’s story is…complicated.
Per Marvel standards, the story begins with a little background refresher, taking us through some of the “Loki highlight reel” through the Marvel universe. (In case you need a list of what to watch before diving into Loki, I recommended re-watching all 3 Thor movies, Avengers, and Infinity War and Endgame.) Following Loki from the Endgame scene (hey, no spoilers, go re-watch the film to catch up) and forming an unusual bro-mance ally with Owen Wilson’s character, Mobius, Loki is launched into a time battle with a mysterious villain.
There’s something thrilling about not knowing where this show will take us. As always, Loki’s own inner battle between good and evil comes into sly play, as well as his love for hearing himself talk. This dialogue heavy narrative show is above that of the cheesy sitcom feel of WandaVision, but definitely not as action-packed as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. But I appreciate the faster story pace of Loki, definitely keeping audiences engaged from episode to episode. And let’s not forget some great supporting actors as well (GuGu Mbatha-Raw “Beauty and the Beast”, Wunmi Mosaku “Vera”, and Eugene Cordero “Kong: Skull Island”).
That TV-14 Rating Explained
Is Loki ok for kids? After WandaVision, I’m certainly skeptical. Ironically the last time we were told that a Marvel television series was PG rated (looking at you, WandaVision), we had a surprise last couple of episodes rated TV-14 that scared my 8-year old. But The Falcon and the Winter Soldier got pretty intense and realistic at times. So is this new Marvel TV series about to shock our television screens again? Or is this more of the Marvel predictable age rating for kids?
Why is Loki rated TV-14? Loki is rated TV-14 LV for “language and violence.” With film ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Loki is kid friendly – and worth paying those Disney+ subscription fees. (Soul movie review, am I right?)
Is this Loki Review | Safe for Kids? Here’s what to expect for parent guidelines for the second ever TV-14 rated Marvel television series (the whole series). But warning: I only had access to preview the first 2 episodes of the six-episode series. So this TV-14 LV rating breakdown is strictly for the episode one and episode two only.
Violence. About what I expect from a Loki show. Not quite the gory/bloody level as The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, there are certainly some action-packed fight sequences involving weapons and hand-to-hand combat that could make kids a little uncomfortable (including a painful slow-motion sequence). There are also a few replay death scenes from prior Marvel films. But if your kids have already watched and enjoyed these Marvel movies, the violence level does not change from what they have already experienced.
Language. Loki falls right in the middle of the two other Marvel shows. I count 2 swear words in the first episode (h-e-double-hockey-sticks and d@mmit) (along with multiple low level insults like jackass, idiots, and imbecile). For episode 2, I count 4 language instances (h-e-double-hockey-sticks, d@mn, sh!t and d@mmit).
Adult Themes. What is not included in this Loki TV-14 rating is adult themes. And this is where a little more parental guidance may be needed. There is a scene with obvious alcohol consumption by a character (along with the line “I hope it’s a double”) but no obvious side effects. There’s also a scene where Loki’s clothing is entirely disintegrated with a strategic placement of a robot and some camera angles to infer brief nudity (this is totally for the Tom Hiddleston fandom shock factor).
But other than heavy adult dialogue from Loki’s character (aka long winded), pretty mild themes for the first two episodes. But I’m sure Marvel has a few surprises in store for fans. So be sure to stay tuned here for show updates if anything obscene comes up.
Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6 Update: Nothing unpredictable for this episode. Violence and swear words on par with previous episodes. Episode 4 does have one end credit scene.
What Loki Age Rating Is Recommended for Kids?
Is Loki kid friendly? This is the second Marvel show to be rated TV-14. So far, no obvious curveballs for parents…at least for the first two episodes. If your kids have been watching the Marvel series on Disney+, I would say that Loki falls right in between WandaVision and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. And with Marvel setting the tone early on the TV-14 rating, I appreciate that there will be no R-rated surprises in future episodes. But is Loki too scary for kids?
Overall, very heavy adult dialogue but less intense violence, Loki appeals more to the older audiences than little kids. Sure, there are a few funny one-liners and Loki mischievous acts, but with more than 75% of the show comprising of narrative between Mobius and Loki, it can get a little boring to little ones. Thankfully, watching at home with a pause button does have it’s advantages. So what kid age is recommended to watch Loki? I would recommend Loki for kids aged 9-years and up, mostly for boredom factor. I think my 12-year old son will definitely enjoy this show, but my 8-year old daughter may have trouble following along.
The Overall
Not knowing, it’s kind of thrilling. No worries, Marvel fans. Loki lovers will fall in love all over again with the intelligence, wit and good-ish evil of our favorite bad guy. Loki is the “x” factor show Marvel fans are rooting for. With so many variables at play and unknown directions that this 6-episode show can deviate, it’s fun to expect the unexpected from our favorite Marvel villain. Story, heart, action and nostalgia, it’s all there. And let’s not forget Marvel Easter Eggs.
The banter between Mobius and Loki is very much like the snarky humor I was hoping for in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. It’s the Marvel bro-mance that we didn’t know we were missing. With Owen Wilson and Tom Hiddleston at the helm, this ship is certainly going to be a fun ride. With charm, mischief and hilarious one-liners, Loki holds his own in this mini-series. And I for one can’t wait to see what time will tell.
Follow Loki on social:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LokiOfficial
- Twitter: https:https://twitter.com/LokiOfficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/OfficialLoki/
- #Loki #DisneyPlus
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Wednesday is the new Friday. The new Marvel Studios television series Loki streams on Disney+ starting Wednesday June 9, 2021, with new episodes every Wednesday through July 14, 2021.
I was invited to screen Episodes 1 and 2 of this Disney+ series in exchange for this Loki Review | Safe for Kids? All photos courtesy of Marvel/Disney. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie reviews, updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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