Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical fantasy adventure has some mild scares.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Guardians of Time
What's the Story?
In GUARDIANS OF TIME, Sybil (Harper Heath), her little sister Alex (Ava Torres), and their two cousins, Zoey and Theo, are visiting their grandfather at their family manor when they discover a mysterious book that leads them to a magical doorway and takes them into the forest of Keoherus. When the girls realize they're trapped, they have to work together to locate secret temples and solve puzzles to collect magical crystals and wield their power to control time. When Alex gets separated from the group, Sybil, Zoey, and Theo have to try to find her. Along the way, the girls discover the power they each possess. Will the group be able to face the dark forces that want the power of time for themselves? As the story unfolds, viewers will watch the four girls learn from one another and lift each other up as they face evil and their own internal battles.
Is It Any Good?
Guardians of Time has a slow start and some cheesy moments, but once it gets going, viewers will be enthralled. It has everything one would expect from a fantasy movie: secret doors, magic, and dragons. There are also some pleasant surprises, such as dinosaurs and plot twists. Why wouldn't a dinosaur companion be in a movie that includes time travel?
If you can look past the mediocre CGI, you can appreciate the coming-of-age story about a kid sister who feels like she just can't keep up with her older sister and cousins. Despite her older sister's warnings to enjoy the time she's in, Alex is in a hurry to grow up. The way that manifests and eventually backfires is yet another pleasant surprise and makes for a dramatic climax filled with time loops and sisterly love. Families interested in a feel-good adventure packed with girl power and minimal scares will be in for a good time with this movie pick.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Alex wanted to grow up. How do you think she came to realize that being older isn't all it's cracked up to be? Are there ever times you wish you were older? Why?
Did the magical violence seem scary to you? Do you think fantasy action and violence are more or less frightening than physical violence and weapons? Why?
How did the four cousins -- especially Alex -- demonstrate character growth throughout the movie? How did they demonstrate teamwork?
Do you like movies that end on a cliffhanger? Does it make you want to guess what happens next or watch a potential sequel? Why do you think movie creators end movies with cliffhangers?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 11, 2022
- Cast : Ava Torres , Natalie Daniels , Samantha Ryan , Nicholas Greco , Carley Colemon , Nia Salaam
- Director : Stephen Shimek
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Some peril and brief mild violence
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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