Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family adventure with mild peril, fantasy violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms
What's the Story?
In THE KEEPERS OF THE 5 KINGDOMS, high school student Patsy Lee (Michelle Mao) and her friends stumble upon an ancient box. After seeking help from her grandfather Chuck Lee (James Hong), they learn about the box's connection to a magical land. When bumbling henchmen Frank (Dante Basco) and Hank (Dave Sheridan) try to retrieve the box for the evil sorceress Kuang (Bai Ling), Patsy, Chuck, and friends are transported to the mythical realm. They must navigate various dangers, including magical butterflies and hopping vampires, while keeping the box away from Kuang to prevent her from escaping and wreaking havoc on all five kingdoms.
Is It Any Good?
The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms is a fun and adventurous family film that transports viewers to a magical world. Patsy and her friends find themselves in a mystical land where they must use their intelligence and bravery to overcome various challenges and find their way home. The movie is filled with action and excitement, and interesting special effects bring the fantasy world to life. The acting is solid, particularly from the younger cast members, and the diverse characters and cultural references add richness to the story. Patsy's relationship with her grandfather is a highlight, showcasing strong family ties.
That said, some of the CGI effects can be a bit cheesy, and the slapstick humor might not appeal to everyone. While the film is generally entertaining, some parts may feel a bit silly or over the top. Despite these minor drawbacks, The Keepers of the 5 Kingdoms is an enjoyable watch for kids who love fantasy adventures and offers plenty of positive takeaways for families. Those who enjoy it may be delighted by the ending, which hints at a potential sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mystical adventure stories with kids. Can you think of any other films with similar themes? Why do you think people like to watch movies where kids are the main characters?
What do you think the movie's message about "letting go of your potatoes" means? How can you apply it to your own life?
How do the cultural settings in the movie (like the Día de Muertos scene) add to the story?
Can you identify moments in the film where Patsy and her friends showed courage? How did these moments impact the story?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 18, 2024
- Cast : James Hong , Anna Harr , Michelle Mao , Matthew Sato
- Director : Zack Ward
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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