Barbie: A Fairy Secret

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Barbie: A Fairy Secret Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Shopping and cattiness dominate weak Barbie effort.

NR 2011 90 minutes
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 7 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 11 reviews

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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 fashion and shopping are the main attractions in this Barbie story. Not only are the fashion items shown in the movie available for purchase in the real world, but role model characters encourage the Barbie characters to shop as both a form of entertainment and a way to save a friend. In an interesting gender role twist, Ken must be saved from a forced marriage, but this storyline isn't enough to make up for catty behavior and other stereotypical female behavior.

Community Reviews

tash 29
tash 29 Adult
July 16, 2020
age 2+

Barbie: A fairy tale

I love this film! My little cousins love it as well, even a 4 yr old little boy. It teaches children that friendships are ups and downs, and that you need to be aware of how your actions impact others. Alot of people have said it is super catty and superficial but the film illustrates these characteristics as ugly and not good. It also promotes girl power in rescuing Ken. Raquel, the typical mean girl, shows that even if someone is mean and a bully, you can turn a new leaf. It illustrates envy and jealousy as ugly characteristics, and that forgiveness is so important. really great story and animations!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
mcpjess7503
mcpjess7503 Adult
January 10, 2012
age 7+

Good but there are better Barbie movies

I like the message about forgiveness between the 2 girls, and how sometimes we just misunderstand each other, and don't let the misunderstanding get too out of hand. I'm not always crazy about the boyfriend/girlfriend themes in some of the Barbie movies because I don't want my daughter to get wrapped up in that at 7. But I'm very impressed with most of the Barbie movies, it's hard to not like them. Not as good as some others, but still cute.

This title has:

Great messages
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Barbie (voiced by Diana Kaarina) is getting ready for a walk down the red carpet with the help of her stylist friends Taylor (Kate Higgins) and Carrie (Cassandra Morris). When she gets to her movie debut, her co-star, Raquelle (Britt Irvin), ruins her dress. Not to worry! Barbie's stylists know what to do, and, as if by magic, her dress is repaired. But magic actually is at work, since the stylists are really fairies. Meanwhile, a spellbound fairy princess kidnaps Ken to be her fiance, which means that Barbie and her fairy friends have to do some fancy maneuvering to save him.

Is It Any Good?

There isn't much substance to BARBIE: A FAIRY SECRET, which makes its faults all the more obvious. Most glaring is the gotta-have-it shopping compulsion that dominates the plot. One of the role model-type adults admits that she has created fairy transport portals to take her to "two of my favorite shopping spots when I just can't wait" to buy something. That's not just a subtle pitch for kids to get hooked on spending -- it's a frontal assault.

Though it's targeted at younger kids, there are themes here that are better suited to tweens and teens -- like very sarcastic, catty comments among frenemies, girls flirting with other girls' boyfriends, and plots to undermine girls' success. Most of these issues are confronted and dealt with, but with what consequences? There's too much Real Housewives and not enough fairy innocence in this movie for it to be recommended.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about product placement. Do you notice certain items in the movie that you've also seen in a store? How are they are advertised in this movie? Does seeing a toy or other product in a movie or TV show make you want to buy it?

  • Raquelle admits that she has been mean to Barbie because she felt insecure about herself. How else do we act out when we feel badly about ourselves? What are more constructive ways to make ourselves feel better?

  • Ken is kidnapped and forced to wed a princess. What's unusual about that set-up? Who usually rescues whom?

Movie Details

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Themes & Topics

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