Tinker Bell
Parents say
Based on 42 reviews
Kids say
Based on 19 reviews
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Tinker Bell
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Tinker Bell has a simple story that's mild on violence -- only one scene with a hawk snapping its jaws at fairies may be frightening -- and has a few good lessons about accepting and enjoying your own talents. The DVD has a Fast Play feature that lets you start movie without the remote, but it also pushes you to four previews for Disney movies and an ad for Disney Rewards. It would actually be faster to go to the menu and hit "play." There's also plenty for sale in the Tinker Bell line: dolls, toys, books, a magazine, a video game, and more.
Community Reviews
Age appropriate good for younger ones.
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Tinkering Around with Tinker Bell!
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What's the Story?
TINKER BELL tells the fairy's story from her creation after a baby's first laugh (as in the Peter Pan book by J. M. Barrie) to her first adventure. After landing in Pixie Hollow, Tink (voiced by Mae Whitman) finds that she's a tinker fairy -- one who builds and fixes things for the other fairies to use as they change the seasons. When she finds out that this means she doesn't get to go to the real world with the other fairies, she decides she doesn't want to be a tinker and tries to find a new talent, with disastrous results. Only by embracing her original talent can springtime be saved.
Is It Any Good?
This sweet and simple straight-to-DVD story is geared especially to kids of the age most likely to clap their hands and exclaim "I believe in fairies!" Tinker Bell does a lovely job of introducing the world of Pixie Hollow with some lush animation and a dreamy, Celtic-infused soundtrack featuring Loreena McKennitt.
But the story is a little too simplistic and mild for older kids who love the world of Peter Pan and the Lost Boys. Tinker Bell makes a mistake, learns a simple lesson, and saves the day. Her sidekick fairy friends -- all voiced by some great talent -- will doubtless do more for doll sales than they do for this story; except for the "mean one" Vidia (Pamela Adlon), their personalities aren't very fleshed out.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Tinker Bell learns to accept her talent, even if it isn't as glamorous as what the other fairies do. Why is Tinker Bell's talent so important to all fairies?
Would it be more fun to you than pollinating flowers or making dew drops on spider webs? Do you like to invent or fix things?
How do the characters in Tinker Bell demonstrate curiosity, gratitude, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 22, 2008
- On DVD or streaming: October 27, 2008
- Cast: America Ferrera, Mae Whitman, Raven Symone
- Director: Bradley Raymond
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More
- Character Strengths: Curiosity, Gratitude, Teamwork
- Run time: 78 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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