Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet sisterly tale with mild suspense, positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Barbie & Her Sisters in a Puppy Chase
What's the Story?
It's an exciting time for BARBIE & HER SISTERS IN A PUPPY CHASE. Not only are they flying to a fabulous tropical paradise where they can swim, scuba, and relax, but they're bringing the puppies with them, and Chelsea (voiced by Alyssya Swales) is entered in a dance contest on the island. While Chelsea has practiced a lot and is obsessed with preparing to dance, Barbie (Erica Lindbeck), Stacie (Claire Corlett), and Skipper (Kazumi Evans) want to see and do it all. First stop: an exhibition of dancing horses, which thrills them, at least until their precious puppies accidentally become stowaways on the horse van after the show. Now they're in a pickle. They have to catch up with the van, get the puppies back, and make it all the way across the island so Chelsea doesn't miss her dance. Fortunately, the puppies are fine; they've met up with a wry poodle named Archibald III (Mark Oliver) and are becoming good friends with the dancing horses. But it isn't easy for Barbie and company. Everything that could go wrong does go wrong: a stalled golf cart, a night outside in the cold, a rainstorm, and losing their way more than once. Each one of the sisters has to call upon her courage and her skill to do all that's asked of them. Finally, just when they think they've crossed the finish line, there's one more -- literal -- bridge to cross. Will Barbie, big sister "extraordinaire," find a way to get them to the stage on time?
Is It Any Good?
It's nice seeing Barbie and her little sisters vaulting over gorges, scaling cliffs, and jumping horses over a crevasse; mainly, it's a far cry from fashion-obsessed Barbies of yore. And Barbie & Her Sisters in a Puppy Chase is a gentle story. No evildoers along the way, just simple missteps and unexpected situations that get the crew in enough hot water to provide them with a mildly suspenseful, scare-free adventure. The too-adorable puppies may be a bit much for older kids, but the little ones will love them. With the Barbie & Her Sisters franchise, Mattel has covered the kid market from toddler to tween. Every new DVD has new dolls, toys, play sets, and accessories attached. At least this movie is pleasant enough, with sisters who genuinely like each other, behave well, are competent, and look up to their wonderfully aware big sister. It's OK for even the youngest viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the relationships among the four girls in Barbie & Her Sisters in a Puppy Chase. How do the sisters treat each other? What makes Barbie such a good big sister?
Do you like the fact that in this movie all the girls prove to be athletic, strong, and brave? Which sister do you identify most with? Stacie, who's willing to try just about anything? Skipper, who's a little more timid about physical adventures? Or Barbie, who's always cautious but tries to make the most of her abilities?
Kids: What happens in your house when you want new toys you've seen in movies like this one? Do your parents set limits on what you can buy? Do you save up or earn money to purchase the things you hope for? How do movies like this one make you want to buy things?
How does this movie promote teamwork?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 18, 2016
- Cast : Erica Lindbeck , Kazumi Evans , Claire Corlett , Alyssya Swales
- Director : Conrad Helten
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Universal Studios Home Entertainment , Mattel Entertainment Inc.
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Animals
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Teamwork
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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