Barbie Presents Thumbelina (NR, 2009)

The Barbie franchise has hit on a consistent movie formula and stuck with it: a main character, either fairy or princess, who must overcome various forms of evil with the help of animal sidekicks, determination, and some good old-fashioned grrrl power. This DVD is no different, providing eye candy in the form of the richly hued animation of flowers, trees, and a posh glass penthouse. The evil is threefold: modern corporate development at the expense of the ecosystem, shallow friendships, and clueless, overindulgent parents. Never fear, Thumbelina has them all covered (thanks to an assist by Twillerbee girl friends and a smiling dog.)

Good, positive messages are given about the true meaning of friendship in a materialistic world, the virtue of saving nature, and the ability for small people to accomplish big things -- always a nice message in a movie aimed at children. Unfortunately, the movie is so predictable from the opening scene that even the youngest viewers are unlikely to wonder about its outcome, and older kids will grow quickly bored.