Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical tale with an engaging story and positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Barbie and the Secret Door
What's the Story?
In BARBIE AND THE SECRET DOOR, Princess Alexa, a thoughtful, book-loving princess (played, of course, by "Barbie," voiced charmingly by Kelly Sheridan and sung well by Brittany McDonald), lives in a beautiful castle with her very caring family. The problem is, the princess is shy and unsure of herself, and she shrinks from some of her princess duties such as meeting new people, making speeches, and attending castle balls. She's content to stay in her room surrounded by her books, hiding from all but her family and her supportive ladies-in-waiting. When she finds a secret door, opens it, and enters a magical kingdom, her life changes forever. Fairies, mermaids, unicorns, and adorably unique little creatures live there, and they're desperately in need of Princess Alexa's help. They're fighting to protect their way of life from a formidable villain in the person of Malucia, a naughty, mean-spirited little girl with ponytails, a sneering smile, and a desire to possess all the magic in her kingdom. Princess Alexa must find the courage to do battle with Malucia, learn to value herself and her talents, and open her heart to new experiences and new people.
Is It Any Good?
The upbeat, engaging story is combined with a very likable new Princess and the delightful characters that surround her. Rather than relying on traditional fairy tales, Mattel has created an original one with vibrant colors, an inventive villain, and lots of music. Solid messages about courage, self-confidence, and risk-taking are subtly included rather than delivered in a heavy-handed way. Though some of the half-dozen songs are conventional, the dancing that accompanies them is not; it's contagious fun. Certainly, this DVD is intended to sell a lot of new dolls, and it stays true to the Barbie tradition of doe-eyed, perfectly pretty girls, but it's a Barbie adventure that stands on its own as an appealing movie for toddlers through grade schoolers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Princess Alexa. How is she different from other Barbie Princesses? What did you like about her? What did she learn from the Secret Door?
Did you want to purchase a Princess Alexa doll after watching this movie? How does your family decide whether or not you can buy toys from movies or TV shows?
Malucia was an unusual villain. How did the filmmakers make her seem both funny and wicked at the same time?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 16, 2014
- Cast : Kelly Sheridan , Tabitha St. Germain , Brittany McDonald
- Director : Karen J. Lloyd
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Mattel Entertainment Inc.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 81 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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