 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Barbie: A Christmas Carol
- Review Date: November 3, 2008
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Less authentic take; also less to scare younger kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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?
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
i like the movie and i recommend it to everyone
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AGE
Loved it!
Love this movie! Great family movie, your girls will love it.
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AGE
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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Kid, 8 years old
August 21, 2011
AGE
safe
i think the kids should be safe
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AGE
lovely christmas movie
the least scary of all teh Barbie movies - a joy to watch
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AGE
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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AGE
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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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, princesses and fairies, book characters, holidays |
| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | William Lau |
| Cast: | Kelly Sheridan |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 76 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 4, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | November 4, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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