Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Trading places fantasy is fun (marketing) for little girls.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar
What's the Story?
In the kingdom of Meribella, sheltered Princess Tori (voiced by Kelly Sheridan) and popstar Keira (Ashleigh Ball) each wish they could be more like the other. When they finally meet at a royal ball, they discover they each possess a magical object: the princess has a hairbrush that can change anyone's hairstyle, and the popstar has a microphone that can alter outfits at will. After playing with their magic, they turn into each other and decide to swap places for a day. But as the night of an important concert approaches, they must work together to save the kingdom from a plot that could leave Meribella destitute.
Is It Any Good?
As Prince and the Pauper adaptations go, this one is definitely approachable for the youngest movie fans. Little girls will be smitten with the idea of getting to trade places with a princess or a popstar (neither is a pauper, because that exact story has already been told in a different Barbie movie!), and parents will appreciate the lessons learned from the experience (staying true to yourself, helping others, and becoming best friends with someone who understands you).
The musical numbers are catchy, and for once there's only the tiniest hint of romance -- and it barely registers compared to the story of the two young women. There's something irresistible about the idea of two people with vastly different lives trading places, and even in the Barbie world, it's more compelling than some of the other movies have been. Barbie DVDs are never likely to convert parents who've banned the doll from their homes, but families who embrace the iconic toy will enjoy her latest movie/marketing vehicle.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Barbie movies are so popular. Do the movies make you want to get those particular Barbie dolls?
What do Tori and Keira learn about each other? Why did each think the other had a better life? Did trading places change them?
Do you think you'd be as interested in watching this movie if it didn't have the Barbie brand?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 11, 2012
- Cast : Ashleigh Ball , Kelly Sheridan
- Director : Zeke Norton
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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