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Barbie: A Christmas Carol (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Less authentic take; also less to scare younger kids.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive messages
See all 11 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this animated DVD is based on the classic Charles Dickens tale and, unlike most Barbie movies, features an unlikable main character. Exactly like most Barbie movies, that character learns predictable lessons about selfishness and caring. Though not period-appropriate for Victorian England, a close biracial friendship is depicted. Ghosts play a part in the story, but not in a way that would scare even young children (one looks like a Valley girl, another Ethel Merman, and the third looks like a queen). There is virtually no discussion of the religious aspect of the holiday.

Positive messages: As in the original Charles Dickens story, a miserly, selfish main character is changed and learns to value the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. Includes lessons on the impact of simple acts of caring, the way that facing our fears helps us grow, and the redemptive power of second chances.
Violence & scariness: There are ghosts, but none are scary: one looks like a Valley girl, another looks like Ethel Merman, and another a queen.
Sexy stuff:

Very mild flirting.

Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Another in the juggernaut of Barbie movies timed for holiday release, there is plenty of reinforcement of the Barbie brand -- and at least two tie-in dolls. Promos for other upcoming Barbie movies can't be skipped over.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Barbie: A Christmas Carol

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Eden Starling's demand on her friends. Which of her three ghostly visits do you think was the most convincing in helping her reset her priorities? Barbie and Kelly start the movie talking about their family holiday traditions -- which are the traditions that you most like within your family's celebration?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In her first holiday movie, BARBIE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL takes the classic Charles Dickens tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and applies a fat layer of Barbie glamour. Told as a cautionary tale by Barbie (voiced by Kelly Sheridan) to her grumpy younger sister, the story relays the saga of Eden Starling (Morwenna Banks) a famous singer in Victorian England who employs a staff of opening entertainers and her childhood friend-turned-costume designer, Catherine Beadnell (Kandyse McClure). On Christmas Eve, haughty Eden demands that her lackeys cancel their holiday plans so they can help her rehearse her new show. This triggers nighttime visits from the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, who encourage her to examine her self-absorbed ways.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
As young Kelly points out during the movie, Barbie stories usually focus on a near-perfect heroine. In this case, it's refreshing that Eden seems nearly all bad. The visit to Christmas Past is especially illuminating, and the scenes of Eden celebrating the holiday with the welcoming Beadnell family during happier, if less famous, days are touching. Catherine's work with orphans who happen to sing in perfect harmony is a little over the top, but a nice chance to discuss the place that helping others has in a family holiday celebration. The computer animation is delightful, and the soundtrack, played by the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, is filled with familiar Christmas carols.

The fact that Tiny Tim, in the original Dickens story, is now Tiny Tammy is as good an indication as any that this movie is aimed squarely at little girls, but anyone who enjoys a good comeuppance will appreciate Barbie's take on the holiday tale.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: William Lau
Cast: Kelly Sheridan
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 76 minutes
Theatrical release: November 4, 2008
DVD release: November 4, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

ahill123
parent of 11 year old
10
 
i like the movie and i recommend it to everyone
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (14) | read my mind (14)
twoandtwomakesfour
parent of 6 and 13 year old
4
 
Loved it!
Love this movie! Great family movie, your girls will love it.
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helped me decide (12) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (12)
Beckstar
adult
7
 
Disappointing
This movie disappointed me. I'm a bit of a Grinch, but I seriously did not feel enlightened or more positive about Christmas after watching it. I found it very boring. I was hoping to see more of the Barbie that featured in the very beginning, not this Eden girl or whatever her name is. The cover of the DVD is very disappointing, Barbie only features for about 2 minutes and it goes onto this other girl
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (11)
Nectaria
teen, 17 years old
5
 
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helped me decide (10) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (11)
memory
parent of 4 and 6 year old
2
 
lovely christmas movie
the least scary of all teh Barbie movies - a joy to watch
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helped me decide (11) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (10)
faith78
kid, 8 years old
5
 
safe
i think the kids should be safe
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (11)
littlemuddyboots
adult
5
 
We loved it
It's a good take on the original version of the classic tale. I really LOVE the fact that they sing "Joy to the World" in the movie and it's not been changed! The "spirits" may be a little much for young ones, but it's still a good watch!
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whaleoh4060
teen, 14 years old
17
 
AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (11)
Henryfan9947
kid, 12 years old
17
 
EVIL!!!
I HATE IT!!!!!!!!! WHY IT'S OUT!!?? WHY?!?!? IT'S EVIL! I TELL YOU IT'S EVIL!! EEEEEVVVIIILLL!!! E V I L !!
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dosti
parent of 15 year old
13
 
friendship
love it like it
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)
KLOPE1
kid, 10 years old
10
 
my
i love it
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