Barbie as The Island Princess (NR, 2007)

common sense media says

A surprising treat -- but too many toy spin-offs.


parents & educators say
  • 33% say there are positive messages

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.

Positive messages: Two characters who might have been enemies in another studio's hands end up being kind to and supportive of each other -- good girl-power message. And the well-sketched villain gets a timely comeuppance. The main character never wavers in her self-awareness, making her irresistible to the prince. Extremely positive images of kindness to animals.
Violence & scariness: A few scenes of short-lived peril. A depiction of a near-drowning.
Sexy stuff: Chaste romance -- nothing more graphic than a kiss at the altar.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Unavoidable, because this is part of the Barbie franchise. Toy aisles are crowded with spinoffs related to this movie, from dolls to a hairstyling head.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Barbie as The Island Princess

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
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: September 18, 2007
DVD release: September 18, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR

This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

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What parents & educators say

5
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say there are positive messages

Most useful reviews by all members

Nectaria
teen, 17 years old
 

jessicamussio
teen, 16 years old
 
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!!!!!!

 
Good movie for little girls!!
It's a good one, my girls loved it, especially with all the talking animals!! Very cute movie!!

KelandryOfTortall
teen, 17 years old
 
*dies*
ugh. had to watch this w/ my little cuz. ew. never ever again.... pink fluff. ew again.

shrinemiko7
teen, 17 years old
 
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!

a_nharry1234
teen, 17 years old
 
awesome

mysterymulan
kid, 11 years old
 
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!

 
Possibly the worst Barbie movie ever.
This is essentially a rip-off of Disney's Little Mermaid, only replace the braindead mermaid with a vapid Mary Sue who talks to animals. The most interesting character in the movie is the villainess, if that tells you anything. Also, if you have really little kids, that talking elephant is pretty creepy.

 
lovely film
Beautiful ending and a nice film. The singing I found very ANNOYING though. It was very touching

Meerdog
teen, 14 years old
 
YUCK!!!!
Oh PLEASE. Another Barbie movie? Come ON! Barbie is such a franchise, and this movie is just to make more money off of stupid Barbie. What is she doing on an Island anyway? Being an animal-freak, I'm absolutely appaled that there is an Elephant on the island...ELEPHANTS DON'T LIVE ON UNCHARTED ISLANDS, THEY LIVE IN THE SAVANNAH!! This is teaching kids the wrong stuff(like that elephants live on islands, and it's okay to buy Barbie merchandise), so please don't buy it, it's junk.

CrazyBlu4Eva
kid, 10 years old
 
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.

yanncela
kid, 10 years old
 
good movie
i love it it is of the huck

nicynintoantony
kid, 10 years old
 
good
Average rating based on 9 kid and teen reviews: 44% say there are positive role models 44% say there are positive messages i think this movie was awesome! It might not be good for 2 year olds but its really good! EVen for 8 year olds!

ana jaimes
kid, 1 year old
 
Review Barbie as The Island Princess
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ON: Content is 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