The King’s Guard
Posted on December 13, 2002 at 5:18 am
C+| Lowest Recommended Age: | Middle School |
| Profanity: | None |
| Alcohol/ Drugs: | None |
| Violence/ Scariness: | Very violent, characters killed |
| Diversity Issues: | Brave, capable female characters |
| Date Released to Theaters: | 2000 |
This very uneven film has a strong cast and an ambitious story, but it falters in execution.
Top actors Eric Roberts, Ron Perlman, and Lesley-Anne Down appear in supporting roles, while the leads are taken by young unknowns. The story seems directed at younger audiences, but there is much more violence than movies for that age group. The costumes and settings are fine, but the sound and cinematography show the limited budget.
Princess Gwendolyn (Ashley Jones) is being escorted by the King’s guards to meet the man she has promised to marry. At first, she is not impresswed with handsome Captain Jim Reynolds (Trevor St. John), but when they are attacked by traitors and thieves, she learns to respect and then love him.
Female characters are strong and capable, a nice change from the usual damsel in distress. There are some clever plot twists and some exciting swordfights. But the violence is surprisingly brutal, which may be upsetting for younger viewers.