Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern Camelot-inspired tale has great messages for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 29 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is highly divisive, with many viewers finding it either boring and poorly executed or surprisingly enjoyable and fun. While some criticize the confusing plot and disappointing ending, others appreciate its engaging story and the way it introduces themes of adventure and history to younger audiences.
- divisive opinions
- confusing plot
- fun adventure
- engaging story
- disappointing ending
- unique twist
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Allie Pennington (Britt Robertson) is used to being the new kid at school, since her parents' jobs as professors of medieval history force them to move a lot. When they tell her she can finish out her high school years at Avalon High, she's ecstatic about being settled for the first time. But a research project for history class turns up some surprising similarities between her new friends and the legend of King Arthur, and she begins to believe that Will (Gregg Sulkin), Jen (Molly Quinn), Lance (Chris Tavarez), and Miles (Joey Pollari) might just be the reincarnated roundtable clan. As the clues fall into place and the moment of enlightenment approaches, Allie is sure she's on the right track, but the real truth is even more surprising than any of them could imagine.
Is It Any Good?
AVALON HIGH is excellent in its simplicity, reworking a classic legend to accommodate modern characters and society. The concept of an unwitting hero who gracefully handles the duties that accompany the title has wonderful messages for kids. Likewise, the predictably happy ending for all the characters reminds viewers that heroes exist in all degrees, whether their special talents are honesty, forgiveness, compassion, or self-sacrifice.
Of course, you can't have an Arthurian tale without some romance or the fabled Excalibur, but neither violence nor sexual content is a concern here. What battles do exist are brief and mostly innocuous, and the romances only yield a few kisses. In short, this truly enjoyable story is a great choice for the whole family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about legends. How much of the story of King Arthur do you believe? Where do you think legends get their start? Can legends like this one teach us anything?
Kids: Who was the hero in this story? What circumstances thrust him or her into a hero's role? Were there other good role models as well? Who are some of your heroes?
This movie was adapted from a book. What other movies have you seen that were books first? Which ones do you think did the best job of making the change? How does seeing a movie about a book you've read change your impression of the setting, characters, and plot?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 12, 2010
- Cast : Britt Robertson , Gregg Sulkin , Joey Pollari
- Network : Disney Channel
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Integrity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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