Characters:
* Ellie: In the book, Ellie is a much more observant and introspective character, struggling with her feelings for both Will and Jen. The movie portrays her as more impulsive and focused on her romantic interests.
* Will: The movie simplifies Will's character, making him a more typical romantic hero. In the book, he's more complex and struggles with his identity as Arthur's heir.
* Jen: In the movie, Jen is primarily a rival for Ellie's affections. The book portrays her as a much more nuanced character with her own motivations and struggles.
* Lancelot: The movie introduces Lancelot as a romantic interest for Jen, a role absent from the books.
* Merlin: The movie alters Merlin's character significantly, portraying him as more comical and less authoritative than in the books.
Plot:
* The Quest: The movie focuses primarily on the romantic triangle between Ellie, Will, and Jen. The book's plot involves a more complex quest to prevent Mordred from taking the throne.
* Merlin's role: The movie minimizes Merlin's importance to the plot, while he plays a much more significant role in the books, acting as Ellie's mentor and advisor.
* Mordred's portrayal: The movie reduces Mordred's role to that of a generic antagonist. In the books, he's a much more complex and dangerous villain.
* The climax: The movie's climax revolves around a battle at the Avalon High dance. The book's climax involves a more dramatic and epic showdown between Will and Mordred.
Themes:
* Romance: The movie emphasizes romantic themes, focusing on Ellie's relationships with Will and Jen. The books explore a wider range of themes, including identity, self-discovery, and the power of destiny.
* Mythology: The movie takes a more lighthearted and comedic approach to Arthurian mythology. The books are more faithful to the source material and explore the mythology in greater depth.
Overall:
The Avalon High movie is a much more simplified and romantic adaptation of Meg Cabot's books. While it captures some of the spirit of the original, it loses much of the depth and complexity of the story. The books offer a more nuanced and engaging exploration of Arthurian mythology and teenage angst.
If you're looking for a lighthearted and fun movie with a romantic subplot, the Avalon High movie might be a good choice. However, if you want a deeper and more authentic experience, the books are a better option.