This film is not for younger children. It is full of discussion about dating, couples fighting, discussion of couples cheating on each other (all tween couples), shows teens as petty, conniving, in relationships. Very poor role models. But worst of all, at the very end of the film, it turns into an all-out horror film, with action scenes that are usually in R-rated horror films. It reminded my wife of the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark. VERY violent! A tween female is THROWN down very violently by the 'dark one' (one of spooky teens in the film). I know people on this site are excited that it has a modicum of educational value in the Camelot aspects, but it's minute, and overshadowed by the other negative parts of the film. I am happy others found this film so wonderful, but I found it twisted, odd, and abnormal in multiple ways.

This is based on a novel, (also available as a comic) by Meg Cabot, and it's a funny, yet inspired take on the Arthurian legends. Ellie, (real name Elaine), the offspring of two medieval obsessed professors, has just transferred to the title high school, where she meets a trio of popular kids: hot shot football star Lance, golden girl cheerleader Jennifer, and the mysterious, too-good-to-be-true A. William Wagner: class president, star quarterback. natural leader and heroic protector of nerds and other outcasts. Why, Ellie wonders, does she feel she's met them all before? Big twist: in the book, Will is the reincarnation of King Arthur, and Ellie is the Lady of the Lake, who gives him his powerful sword Excalibur. In the movie, ELLIE is King Arthur, (terrific flashback scenes of her clothed in armor, riding her white horse into battle). Although she's heroic and courageous in the book, the movie goes a step further, identifying her with one of the greatest hero-kings of all time. What a great image for girls (and frankly for boys) to see! The movie ends with Ellie leading a student council meetings at a (heh, heh) round table.