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Barbie: A Perfect Christmas
- Review Date: November 15, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
The Christmas spirit saves this Barbie-marketing musical.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this addition to Barbie's extremely profitable and popular line of direct-to-DVD movies comes with a sweet moral about the true meaning of the holiday season instead of just being another excuse to trumpet the latest Barbie merchandise. Of course, there are a lot of Perfect Christmas products available just in time for the holidays, but the actual movie focuses on the relationship between the four sisters and how Christmas is more about giving than receiving -- not a bad lesson for kids to learn when it comes to Barbies.
What's the story?
Four sisters -- Barbie (voiced by Diana Kaarina), Skipper (Rachel Harrison), Stacie (Lauren Lavoie), and Chelsea (Ashly Drummond) -- are headed to New York City to spend Christmas with their wealthy Aunt Millie (Patricia Drake). They all believe it's going to be their "perfect Christmas," since they each have big plans (Barbie has tickets to a Broadway show, Skipper is going to play in a band, Stacie wants to skate in Central Park, and little Chelsea can't wait to spot the sea lions at the zoo). Unfortunately for Barbie and her younger sisters, their cross-country plane trip makes an emergency weather-related landing in Minnesota. Stuck in the Midwest, the girls wind up at the Tannenbaum Inn, where the innkeeper and her friends are all super-infused with the Christmas spirit. What looks like the worst Christmas ever for the girls turns out to be a magical holiday after all.
Is it any good?
Surprisingly, this Christmas musical isn't nearly as obnoxious as some of the other Barbie tales. This time Barbie isn't trying to get a makeover at a princess school or transform into a mermaid; she's just an oldest child attempting to make the holidays special for her younger sisters. The plentiful musical numbers are catchy (each actress has a professional to sing the original songs), and the storyline is actually pretty sweet, which is notable given that many of the Barbie movies are focused solely on fashion and romance.
The animation in these films is never anything to compare to the quality of theatrical animated features, but at least this particular movie has filled-in backgrounds and snowy landscapes. With its Christmas theme and memorable tunes, this is one Barbie adventure that not only entertains kids but will teach them an important lesson about holiday giving.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages about the holiday season. Should kids be focused on themselves or on others? Kids: Why is it important to give and not just receive?
In this movie, the four sisters each have a special wish for Christmas. It doesn't necessarily come true exactly as they planned, but they still have a wonderful experience. How is this applicable to real life? Are there times when things don't happen as we imagined but everything still works out?
Even though this is a "Christmas movie," it's also made to make kids interested in Barbie products. Find out how to deal with consumerist messages in movies and TV shows.
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Kid, 12 years old
November 19, 2011
AGE
Not as good as the others
This movie was a very good barbie movie, and i think 1 of the first 2 have all her sisters. But it wasn't as good as the other Barbie movies. i think all the other barbie movies were WAY better. I really like all the barbie movies though.
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Kid, 11 years old
December 21, 2011
AGE
Barbie actually ruined my friendship.
I was forced to watch this as a ten year old girl, and the only thing that gave it a three star rating, was that it was about Christmas. The plot doesn't have any real charm to it, and Barbie is perfect. Nothing can be perfect. Shes a good role model but she promises to her family that she would get them to NY. When actually, it would be impossible. Now i know that sometimes its better to tell a lie than tell a hurtful truth, but there are so many movies nowdays that include a character over-reacting to a lie, instead of forgiving and forgetting. Seriously, she should have just told them that they wouldn't be able to make it to new york... My rating started at three stars and dropped to one in the first 10 minutes... The message is distorted slightly as there are no obvious things, it is put out in, "Skipper, you CAN'T give up now!" from Barbie. Barbie has caused problems with my friends would you believe it. My friend is trying to be perfect without even knowing it. Barbie movies have turned her into little miss perfect. Barbie movies makes her feel its right to tell other people what to do, In the barbie movies Barbie gives kind words of advice, by saying it in their face, or something like, "But, Skipper, you can't give up! you can do it!" My friend gives me lectures like this, even if i get homesick. for example, "[insert mah name here] You can't get homesick because would your mum be homesick? Nooo," When i got home mum said she had missed me insanely and was worried. Barbie movies have ruined my friendship and life with my friends. They can watch them, but when they start second grade. STOP LETTING THEM BUY THEM UNLESS THEY WANT TO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH FRIENDS TOO.
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AGE
Not as sweet and kind as other Barbie movies..disappointing
Just not as sweet or entertaining as other movies in the Barbie series. The younger sisters are rude to one another, calling each other names. I felt that the moral of the story was lost on my five year old, but the meanness
was not. Not impressed with this installment and we
have loved the Barbie series to date. Storyline was
weak, not much dialogue ( mostly filler scenes) overall a disappointing movie for me..However, my daughter still thought it was cute, but I prefer kinder, gentler characters as role models and would not recommend this if your parenting style is one of showing your children positive kind messages.
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Kid, 9 years old
January 9, 2012
AGE
Barbie: A Perfect Christmas
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, princesses and fairies, holidays |
| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | Mark Baldo |
| Cast: | Diana Kaarina, Lauren Lavoie, Rachel Harrison |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 74 minutes |
| DVD release date: | November 8, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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