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Parents' Guide to

Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV

By Kyle Gold, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Amazing visuals but violence, weak plot in game-based movie.

Movie PG-13 2016 110 minutes
Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

NojEsco
NojEsco Adult
August 3, 2020
age 13+

Solid but Intentionally Unsatisfying

Kingsglaive has the makings of a pretty good movie as it has some solid worldbuilding, a sense of intensity, talented voice-actors and some genuinely well-written dialogue (albeit some genuinely poor dialogue as well). This movie also features what is EASILY the best CGI of any animated film, even over 4 years later, and the gorgeous visuals combined with excellent artistic design, great music, inventive action choreography and solid editing prove that this could have been one for the History books. However, the game (which takes place right after this movie) features heroes on the run from a destroyed home, and this movie is ultimately just the story of the destruction of their home. Now, this in itself is often times compelling, but this is effectively an Empire Strikes Back without A New Hope or a Return of the Jedi. This results in a movie that is woefully unsatisfying from an emotional standpoint. Yes, it's supposed to be this way, but it really hampers the enjoyment of the movie itself. In regards to family entertainment, there's violence and some unsettling monster designs, but nothing someone 13 or above could handle. The heroes are good role-models, but beyond their messages of sacrifice for the greater good and the dangers of seeking power, which are good, they are rather standard issue; likable, but hardly unique.

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What's the Story?

In KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV, the cruel and technologically advanced empire of Niflheim has taken over all other nations of Eos besides the kingdom of Lucis. King Regis (voiced by Sean Bean) has kept his nation safe through his magic powers and crystal, but Niflheim is drawing ever closer to the walls of his crown city. Regis decides to sign a peace treaty, surrendering everything but the crown city to Niflheim and wedding his son to the former princess of Tenebrae. The Kingsglaive, a team of elite soldiers who've been given magic by the king, has been sworn to protect the king and Lucis from all threats and will be disbanded after the treaty is signed. But Nyx (Aaron Paul), a proud member of the Kingsglaive, and his friends realize the treaty is a lie; now they must rescue the crown city and the princess before it's too late.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This animated adventure's amazing visuals are stunning, but the incoherent plot, poor writing, and dull action will leave you snoring. While understanding every bit of the story would involve prior knowledge of the Final Fantasy franchise, any viewer will notice that Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV has some serious flaws. The plot has far too many story elements that fall flat, and many characters seemed shoehorned in (even though they'll appear in the follow-up game). The main characters are somewhat likeable, as their actions are noble, but their cookie-cutter personalities immediately become stale. Action scenes are plentiful, but after the first couple teleportation battles and giant sword fights, they quickly become nothing more than flashing colors and cheesy one-liners.

All of that said, many viewers may be blown away by the film's amazing animation. The previous Final Fantasy movies have always been eye candy, but Kingsglaive's photo-realistic animation, mixed with fluid camera motion, will leave give your eyes a sugar high like never before. Fans of the series will be absolutely delighted with the gorgeous visualization of their beloved series and will be eager what to see what comes next in the game Final Fantasy XV.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV. How does it compare to what you've seen in live-action fantasy action movies? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How does the movie depict selflessness? Why do you think Nyx sacrifices everything to keep his new home safe? Why does Princess Lunafreya Nox Fleuret agree to marriage even though it will doom her home to the rule of Niflheim?

  • What do you think it takes to adapt a video game story into a movie? Talk about storytelling tactics and which other video games you'd like to see on the big screen.

  • Talk about the ads both inside and surrounding the film. Does watching a video game-based movie change the way you think about the game and/or make you want to buy the game? Did your family notice the various product placements in the film? If so, did you feel influenced by it?

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