 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
VeggieTales: Princess and the Pop Star
- Review Date: August 17, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Religious identity-swapping tale has positive lessons.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this familiar story about look-alikes who switch identities and learn to appreciate what they have is typical VeggieTales fare. The plot, music, and characters are easy to understand, even for the smallest kids, and there's no iffy content. There is more religious content in this episode than in some others; many specific references are made to God's predetermined plan for each person and the idea that "God thinks about you all the time and thinks you're really special."
What's the story?
Princess Poppyseed (voiced by Keri Pisapia) isn't really a princess. She lives on a farm with her boisterous, busy family and wishes for quiet and privacy -- maybe the life of her idol, singing sensation Vanna Banana (Rebecca Walker). Vanna Banana is a superstar. Her life is filled with recording sessions, costume fittings, and fans who sell out every show. But she's lonely, and her days are spent without play or close friends. If only she could be an ordinary girl in a warm, loving family! When the two meet unexpectedly and discover that they look almost exactly alike, opportunity knocks. They switch places, and each finds out who she'd really like to be -- and who she's really meant to be.
Is it any good?
Humor, catchy/clever music, a simple story, and likable characters, make this VeggieTale movie entertaining, engaging, and easy to understand. Its messages about "being yourself" and "appreciating what we have" are closely tied to religious teachings about God's love and plan for each person.
That said, the episode is a little less than even-handed in that Princess readily learns the value of her productive and close family life on the farm, while Vanna's solitary, glamour-rich life is never really seen as desirable. It's her mother who sees the light and promises to make changes on Vanna's behalf.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how kids (and grown-ups) fantasize about being someone else (a superhero, a movie star, a sports legend). How do movies, TV, and books let us experience other identities?
Which characters or real people that you've read about or seen would you most like to be? Why? What might those people find wonderful about your life?
In Vanna Banana's story, which character learned a lesson: Vanna or her mother? What lesson did she learn?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
August 28, 2011
AGE
dunno what age
may offend
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| Studio: | Big Idea |
| Director: | Brian K. Roberts |
| Cast: | Keri Pisapia, Mike Nawrocki, Phil Vischer |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 49 minutes |
| DVD release date: | August 16, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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