 | 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 as The Island Princess
- Review Date: November 8, 2007
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
A surprising treat -- but too many toy spin-offs.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this gentle story will appeal to children who love animals and/or Barbie, and that its original music score may even draw in the grown-ups. The main character talks about missing the family from whom she was separated at a young age. A depiction of a near-drowning is harrowing, and younger kids may need some help understanding the villain's motivation, which is presented in song. The traits that define the heroine are bravery and compassion, not just beauty.
What's the story?
The movie opens on a desert island where Barbie appears as Ro (voiced by Kelly Sheridan), who washed ashore years earlier and has befriended three animal sidekicks: an elephant, a red panda, and a pompous peacock. Her devotion to her animal "family" is a recurring theme. But Ro's idyllic life is turned upside down when the island is discovered by Prince Antonio, who begs her to return with him to his kingdom. Ro agrees to go, curious to see whether she can find the human family from which she came. Drama ensues when they arrive in Abalonia to find that the prince has been betrothed in his absence, to the very sympathetic Luciana.
Is it any good?
A nice twist in this movie is that Luciana and Ro are NOT pitted against each other, and in fact help each other when they have the opportunity. And the prince, from the start, is attracted to the girl with personality and verve, not just beauty. Overall the folks at Mattel seem to have caught on that parents are looking for female role models with more than just good looks.
The movie's lush original score, which is performed by the Czech Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra, lends it a quality not often found in children's movies, and the lyrics are catchy as well. The computer-generated animation in these movies continues to improve with each new film; seeing the fabrics sway as the characters move in their ornate gowns is a treat. With BARBIE AS THE ISLAND PRINCESS, parents can rest assured that the subject matter is entertaining and kid-appropriate, and put their energies toward worrying about all the commercialism surrounding it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how Ro might have learned to talk to the animals. Do you and your pets have any special ways to communicate? Do you think you would prefer to live on Ro's island or in Prince Antonio's castle, and why?
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AGE
*dies*
ugh. had to watch this w/ my little cuz. ew. never ever again.... pink fluff. ew again.
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AGE
Good movie for little girls!!
It's a good one, my girls loved it, especially with all the talking animals!! Very cute movie!!
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AGE
Cute kids flick
I was so happy when Mattel decided to write another Barbie musical! Family loyalty is a big theme in this movie...it was nice to see no inner-family rivalry as in past Barbie movies. I was also glad that this movie had another strong female character besides Barbie. Luciana's loving attitude provides a great environment for friends who watch the movie together. I was, however, shocked that there is a mild suggestion of sexual intercouse outside of marriage (Arianna claims to have been married to her husband for only 3 days...she had Luciana sometime after). However, if you overlook that, it's a great family movie!
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AGE
Cute movie!!!!!!! :)
I love this movie!!!! I watch it everyday and I am not afraid to say that I am 14! The songs are wonderful with sweet messages!!!! It is also funny Me and my sisters (12 and 6) we recreate the scene with Arianna and Luciana sing all the time, anywhere!!!!!! Great movie for anyone, and the people saying this is a bad movie are crazy dont listen to them.... they are stupid. :P
Love this movie!!!!!!
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Kid, 11 years old
June 22, 2009
AGE
Awsome AGe
i think this movie was awesome! It might not be good for 2 year olds but its really good! EVen for 8 year olds!
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Kid, 10 years old
April 6, 2011
AGE
good movie
i love it it is of the huck
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Kid, 11 years old
September 25, 2011
AGE
Great movie!This really is her best.
Okay,so I'm not really a Barbie fanatic but this movie has a wonderful story that will make you wow.A very sweet,story of a girl who lives in an island who is set off to become a princess.
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AGE
lovely film
Beautiful ending and a nice film. The singing I found very ANNOYING though. It was very touching
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, princesses and fairies |
| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Greg Richardson |
| Cast: | Kate Fischer, Kelly Sheridan, Patricia Drake |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 86 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 18, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | September 18, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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