 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Felicity: An American Girl Adventure
- Review Date: August 2, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2005
Common Sense Media says
Feisty Felicity learns about loyalty in 1775.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is part of the hugely popular American Girls doll/book/entertainment juggernaut. While the content is quite tame overall, a child does sneak out of her house each morning even though her parents have forbidden it. She first steals -- then eventually sets free -- a mistreated horse without significant repercussions. Another character runs away from a contractual agreement to follow his political beliefs but eventually returns and works out a compromise. A beloved grandfather dies, and his passing is treated with dignity and love. A father is jailed for his political beliefs, and a mother nearly dies in childbirth. Reflecting the Revolutionary War era, African Americans are shown only in roles of silent servitude.
What's the story?
Bringing another American Girl doll to life, FELICITY: AN AMERICAN GIRL ADVENTURE provides a hefty dose of American history as its story unfolds. Felicity (Shailene Woodley) is celebrating her 10th birthday in 1775 Williamsburg. With that milestone come new expectations that sit uncomfortably on the independent, horse-loving girl: She must now learn to be a lady. Meanwhile, Felicity discovers a beautiful thoroughbred horse -- whom she names Penny -- being mistreated by drunken neighbor Jiggy Nye (Geza Kovacs). With the complicity of her store-owning father's apprentice, Ben Davidson (Kevin Zegers), she tames the horse. But she herself isn't so easily tamed, chafing under the limitations of her schooling with Miss Manderly (Janine Theriault). Felicity commiserates with Ben, who wants to escape his apprenticeship to fight with the patriots who are arming for the Revolutionary War.
Is it any good?
The movie's attention to historical detail -- and its clear explanations of the tensions between loyalists and patriots during this era -- give it educational value that complements the suspenseful tale of Felicity's efforts to save Penny. Particularly thoughtful are the acknowledged tensions that arise between friends and family with different political views.
As Felicity, Woodley is energetic, though some of her dialogue sounds like it belongs on a cross-stitch sampler. This movie will appeal to girls who love horses and/or the American Girls. And with its talented cast and period-appropriate settings, it's a movie that parents can appreciate as well. Its Christmas Day climax makes it perfect for enjoying over the holidays as well.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how expectations for girls have changed since Felicity's time. Do you think Felicity's actions are typical for Revolutionary War-era girls? What did you learn about life during this era? There are both British loyalists and American patriots in the movie, and they find ways to remain friends. Do you think those friendships lasted through the whole war? Families can also discuss Felicity's decision to spend time with Penny. It worked out well for her, but what risks did she take? What other, safer ways could she have found to be with the horse?
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AGE
Great story!
This movie is so great. The acting is good the characters teach great life lessons. And the outfits are pretty.there are some iffy scenes but other then that its great 5 out of 5!
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AGE
A Movie the Whole Family Can Enjoy, Together!
I found this movie to be well done and true to the book which can't always be said of movies based on books. While all of the actions of the characters may not seem realistic for the time, I'm not so sure that people were so very different then than we are today. I remember more than one occasion when I left the house in the middle of the night to meet with a friend for what seemed to us at the time to be a daring adventure. And while not the most brilliant move of my younger years it makes Felicity's pre dawn visits to her beloved Penny quite belieable. My parents, like hers were loving and understanding of my mistakes. It is easy to see where she learned to love and forgive others who wronged her. It sends a good message of love, loyalty, and a willingness to forgive, for we are none of us perfect. I'm not ashamed to say I cried, (several times)
and would highly recommed this movie to anyone.
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AGE
Great Film!
I loved this film the actors who played Felicity and Elizabeth did a great job. They had pretty clothes. Its so sad Felicity is retiring. She has great life lessens to teach, Great Family Film 5 out of 5
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AGE
AMAZING MOVIE
I watched this movie exactly 83 times and I will watch it tomorow too. That's how much I love this movie! i can memorize all the lines and taught me a lot about loyalists and patroits.
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AGE
Cute but sad
I love this movie but there is one seane were Felicitys Grandpa dies it made me wanna cry
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AGE
Not really a film for a 7-year old
Our kids enjoy the books, but the movie has many concepts that require more explanations for the under 8 crowd, such as why Felicity wants to wear Ben's pants, why tea stands for tyranny, loyalists vs. patriots, being a gentlewoman. This was all in the first 20 minutes.
When reading the books, there is more explanation in the text. Also, it is natural to stop reading and then talk about it. This movie didn't lend itself well to that. It was a bit choppy as a movie as it was, let alone stopping it further to discuss some of these complex themes..
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AGE
favorite american girl story
this is my fave american girl story.its amazing!! i loved it!not scary and not as violent as it seems.
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AGE
ok
Felicity is more violent and scary than the other American Girl movies. I liked it but it does have some iffy parts.
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| Studio: | Revolution Studios |
| Director: | Nadia Tass |
| Cast: | Kevin Zegers, Marcia Gay Harden, Shailene Woodley |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 86 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 29, 2005 |
| DVD release date: | November 29, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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