Barbie in The 12 Dancing Princesses (NR)
Barbie fan's dancing dream is sometimes too scary.
(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Seen the movie?
Movie details
- Studio: Universal Studios
- Directed By: Greg Richardson
- Cast: Kelly Sheridan, Chantal Strand, Christopher Gaze
- Running Time: 81 minutes
- Release Date: 09/19/2006
- Video/DVD Release Date: 09/19/2006
- Genre: Family and Kids
- MPAA Rating: NR
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fairytale-based fantasy combines elements that will appeal to little girls -- it's all right there in the title -- and themes that might scare them, too: The princesses' father is being slowly poisoned by a cruel relative who also bullies the girls. Parents should also be aware of the large number of product tie-ins they'll find mentioned in the insert, featured online, and in the toy stores.
Families can talk about how the sisters work together to save their family. Although escaping into the magical dancing land is fun, why is it important for them to return home? If you had a magical land to go to every night, what would it be like, and would you bring your siblings with you? Would your magic place require a tiara and a dress or comfy PJs and play clothes?
Families can talk about how the sisters work together to save their family. Although escaping into the magical dancing land is fun, why is it important for them to return home? If you had a magical land to go to every night, what would it be like, and would you bring your siblings with you? Would your magic place require a tiara and a dress or comfy PJs and play clothes?
Message
Social Behavior:
Includes lessons in looking out for your siblings and sticking together. "Big or small, there's a difference only you can make." Although most of the 12 sisters aren't well-developed characters, as a group they demonstrate the value of working together as a team.
Consumerism:
While there is no product placement during the film itself, Mattel is selling a plethora of merchandise to tie in with the film: plush toys, dolls, a vanity playset, picture books, coloring books, etc. -- all featured in the DVD insert and in a special section of the Barbie.com site.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Violence
A two-faced character uses poison to try to slowly murder a king and take over his throne. She also bullies and mistreats the king's daughters. In one scene, two armored knight statues come to life and attack characters with a sword and a spiked ball and chain. The sword comes dangerously close to cutting a protagonist.
Sex
Sparks of innocent romance between two characters who eventually wed.
Language
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Teresa Talerico
BARBIE IN THE 12 DANCING PRINCESSES stars Barbie (voiced by Kelly Sheridan) as Princess Genevieve, one of 12 high-spirited sisters who are doted on by their father, King Randolph. But the widowed royal worries that he doesn't know how to raise proper young ladies, so he enlists the help of his cousin, Duchess Rowena. The duchess has ulterior motives, which is immediately obvious from the second she arrives at the palace with her dilapidated carriage, evil-looking eyebrows, and creepy pet monkey. She bullies the princesses, even banning dancing, singing, and bright colors from their home. She’s also poisoning the king with her deadly brew of tea. In perfect timing, the sisters discover the secret entrance to a magical world of dancing -- a special gift from their late mother. But they realize that they must return home to save their father from Rowena and her minions.
Is it any good?
Although it tries to be a magical fairytale for little girls, this Barbie story steps on its own toes a bit. On the one hand, it's an innocent story about sisterly love and ballet dancing appropriate for girls 5 to 7. On the other, it incorporates an ominous subplot that might be frightening to that same age group. The CGI animation is similar to a computer game. As a result, the dancing scenes (choreographed by the NYC Ballet) feel artificial. Other animation is more lifelike and detailed.
The older princesses are, of course, Barbie-slim and look almost exactly alike, except for hair and eye color, as do the younger sisters. Most of their personalities aren't well developed, with the exception of Genevieve and four of her sisters. The lighter side of this movie is probably too simplistic for older kids, but the poisoning scenes and other scary moments may be too much for younger ones.
Other choices
|
Parents and kids say
All Reviews
There are 11 reviews.
Adult Reviews
There are 9 reviews.
Age 5+
Posted on 09/28/06 by Anonymous Adult contributor
Kids Reviews
There are 2 reviews.
Which fantasy book creature has the best name?
Fluffy (3-headed dog, Harry Potter)
20%
Mister Grin (giant crocodile, Peter and the Starcatchers)
40%
Vermicious Knid (shapeshifting monster, Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator)
0%
The Incredibly Deadly Viper (harmless snake, Series of Unfortunate Events)
0%
Bunnicula (vampire bunny, Bunnicula series)
40%
5 votes