Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable animated swashbuckler with a few chuckles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Justin and the Knights of Valor
What's the Story?
Justin (Freddie Highmore) wants nothing more than to become a knight with the courage and wisdom of Sir Roland, his deceased grandfather. However, in JUSTIN AND THE KNIGHTS OF VALOR, times have changed in the kingdom. Justin's lawyer-dad (Alfred Molina) has enacted so many laws and rules that all the kingdom's subjects have given up on the spirit and altruism that defined their old way of life. Knights are long gone; the land is unprotected. On the verge of being forced to follow in his father's footsteps, Justin takes matters into his own hands. With his caring Gran (Julie Walters) encouraging him, he defies his father and sets off a quest: The boy will bring home Sir Roland's missing sword and earn his knighthood despite his dad. Justin’s journey is fraught with danger and features a dizzying array of friends and foes. Joined by feisty sidekick Talia (Saoirse Ronan), Justin trains, struggles to reach his potential, and ultimately becomes an unlikely hero, charged with saving his kingdom from a long-standing and treacherous enemy.
Is It Any Good?
It's always disappointing when an animated feature film that requires so much time, money, and creative energy misfires. This story is both predictable and derivative, much of the humor seems forced, and there are stereotypes a-plenty. Also, the sheer number of characters, events, and battles is unrelenting. A misguided father, the memory of a brave grandfather, a rich and spoiled damsel, three idiosyncratic "trainers," an evil knight and his sashaying accomplice, a barmaid, a barkeep, two ogre-like bouncers, a sorcerer, a kindly grandmother, a comic dragon-crocodile, and a preening cavalier (Antonio Banderas, who provides some real comic moments and is listed as a producer), all impact the plot. It's dense, loud, and sometimes confusing. Still, kids who like silliness, adventure, and a jam-packed story may find this movie entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about blending an adventure set in centuries past with characters and jokes that are very modern. Find some examples in this film. Why do you think it makes the movie funnier?
Which villains are included in this movie to show danger and which are intended to get laughs? Were you ever confused by Justin's having so many foes?
What is a stereotype? Which of the characters in Justin and the Knights of Valor would fit the definition?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 22, 2014
- Cast : Freddie Highmore , Antonio Banderas , Saoirse Ronan
- Director : Manuel Sicilia
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Kandor Graphics
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild action and rude humor
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate