This second American Girl movie is every bit as charming as last year's Samantha: An American Girl Holiday. If you are interested in sitting down with your family and watching a handsomely made movie without having to worry about when the next bad word and inappropriate joke is going to come up (two things that plague much of the modern family fare), then this movie is just for you.
We are taken back to 1775 Virginia, when the Revolutionary War is on the brink, and tension between Patriots and Loyalists is mounting. As it is with all the American Girl stories, these historic events are seen through the eyes of a young girl, Felicity, who is tired of having to be proper and longs to be independent. She falls in love with a wild horse owned by a cruel farmer, befriends Loyalist Elizabeth Cole, and most importantly, learns what it means to have courage in a changing world.
As with Samantha, much of the movie is taken straight from the original American Girl stories, which is sure to delight young fans of Felicity and the American Girl Collection. But the stunning scenery, and lavish, authentic costumes, not to mention all the historical references, make it thoroughly entertaining for the grown-ups in the audience, as well.
The young stars of this movie are so good, they almost upstage the adults, although everybody does a nice job of combining sweetness with believability. Shailene Woodley does a fantastic job as Felicity, and Katie Henney gives Elizabeth Cole a nice British accent (Miss Henney is our tour guide through the American Girl Place on the Samantha DVD Special Features). And has anyone ever heard of Geza Kovacs? He makes quite a scene in the relatively minor role of the cruel Jiggy Nye.
Great family fun, and a truly enjoyable adventure!
