Common Sense Media Review
Feisty Felicity learns about loyalty in 1775.
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Felicity: An American Girl Adventure
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a beloved adaptation of the American Girl series, featuring a strong historical narrative and valuable life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and standing up for one's beliefs. Despite some intense scenes, most viewers found it engaging for young audiences and a great complement to learning about the Revolutionary War.
- fun messages
- historical accuracy
- great for kids
- intense scenes
- favorite adaptation
- lessons on friendship
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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.
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 29, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2005
- Cast : Kevin Zegers , Marcia Gay Harden , Shailene Woodley
- Director : Nadia Tass
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Revolution Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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