Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Low-budget, live-action fantasy; kids in peril throughout.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Fairy's Game
What's the Story?
Jaq (Shiloh Nelson) and her big brother, Tyler (Elijah Nelson), are stuck for the afternoon at their grandfather's house in A FAIRY'S GAME. Desperate to find something fun to do, they discover a wooden chest in the house's basement. They open the box gingerly and then find themselves caught up in an enchanted adventure. Aeloo (Ava Kolker) suddenly appears. She's a young fairy who offers them a chance to come into the fairy world and play a game. If they win, their prize will be the granting of one wish -- the "most desperate desire of your heart." Their task: finding five precious gems and putting them back where they belong. Jaq and Tyler agree to Aeloo's terms, but afterward, the sprite laughs ominously: "Be careful of the deal you make with fairies." Whoosh, and they are transported to a forest where they meet fantastical creatures, both good and bad: fairies, beasts, talking animals, and demons, the most dangerous of which is Warlock, a powerful faceless knight who is after the gems as well.
Is It Any Good?
A family endeavor from start to finish, this low-budget movie is high on messages and story, but it can't overcome the less-than-professional production values, special effects, and performances. Made in earnest, and presumably with lots of fun and heart from all involved, A Fairy's Game simply doesn't measure up in terms of child-friendly fantasy films so widely available. Still, kids who don't mind the artless production, and who are absolutely clear about real versus pretend violence, will probably enjoy seeing a little girl turn into a warrior before their very eyes, and watching villains receive their magical retribution.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how live-action kids' fantasy adventures like A Fairy's Game differ from animated ones. What does it take to create the magic in each of the two genres? Sometimes animated movies strive to be realistic; sometimes live-action movies strive to be magical. Think of some examples of each.
What is the meaning of the film term "special effects"? Find out the difference between "digital" special effects and "practical" special effects.
Were you surprised when Jaq and Tyler changed their wish at the end of the game? When did you know that they would change that wish?
Which character strengths and life skills did Tyler and Jaq need to accomplish their goal (e.g., perseverance)?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 30, 2017
- Cast : Shiloh Nelson , Elijah Nelson , Ava Kolker
- Director : Shawn Nelson
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Nelson
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Fantasy
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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