Barbie Mariposa & the Fairy Princess

Name: Barbie Mariposa & the Fairy Princess
Item: Barbie Mariposa & the Fairy Princess
Rating: 3
Author: Sandie Angulo Chen

Movie review by

Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media

Barbie Mariposa & the Fairy Princess Movie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

(i)

Highly marketed fairy adventure promotes cultural awareness.

NR
2013
75 minutes

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age 5+

Based on 1 review

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A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

Barbie titles aren't intended as educational, but kids do learn lessons in friendship and cooperation.

Positive Messages

There are some positive messages about not making assumptions about people or believing stereotypes about them based on their heritage.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Mariposa is smart, kind, and thoughtful. She reads about crystal fairy culture and traditions before heading there and tries her hardest to adhere to all of their customs when she's visiting. She is more interested in books than in fashion. Catania is her kindred spirit, and she wants to help the butterfly fairies rather than fear them like her father the king.

Violence & Scariness

Gwyllion seeks revenge against the crystal fairies by turning all their crystal lights to stone. She freezes most of the inhabitants of Shimmervale, but they are eventually restored. Catania forgives Gwyllion, who in turn is remorseful for her actions.

Sexy Stuff

Prince Carlos is obviously smitten on Mariposa, so he asks her to dance at a fairy ball.

Language

Consumerism

The Barbie movies have distinct storylines, but they're all created to further the marketing of their newest line of tie-in Barbies. All of the major characters and even some of the locations and animals are available as merchandise that's sold separately but advertised through the DVD.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Barbie Mariposa & the Fairy Princess is the 25th direct-to-DVD Barbie movie, and like most of the films, the content is fine for almost all ages, but the marketing angle is the biggest concern. All the characters and some of the settings are available for purchase and are advertised within the DVD. There is mild peril as an angry fairy temporarily freezes fairies and destroys their energy source, but otherwise there's just humorous slapstick due to a clumsy main character. Mariposa, the Barbie fairy protagonist, is the royal librarian and a huge book lover who isn't overly concerned with fashion or looks. This story about inter-fairy relations is a kid-friendly study in cultural acceptance, friendship, and teamwork.

Adult Written bymimijunebug February 2, 2014

age 5+

A Good Movie!

One of my favorite Barbie sequels.This is the sequel to Barbie Mariposa and her Butterfly Fairy Friend's.There is a witch as the villain she wants somethin... Continue reading

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What's the story?

Queen Marabella (Jane Barr) of the butterfly fairies appoints Mariposa (Kelly Sheridan), the royal librarian of Flutterfield, as the royal ambassador to the other Fairytopia land of Shimmervale, where the crystal fairies reside. Initially Mariposa refuses, but after a pep talk from the handsome Prince Carlos (Alessandro Juliani), she agrees to go with her magical puffball pal Zee in tow. They arrive in Shimmervale expecting a grand welcome, but only one fairy is there to greet them and take them to the castle, where King Regellius, who believes a host of scary rumors about the butterfly fairies, and his more progressive daughter Princess Catania (Maryke Hendrikse), who is eager to get to know the lovely butterfly fairy, live. Unbeknownst to everyone, the vengeful fairy Gwyllion (Kathleen Barr) plans to attack Shimmervale and turn their energy source of crystals to stone.

Is it any good?

Chances are good that if this DVD's playing at your house, you probably don't have fundamental issues with the Barbie franchises; if that's the case, then this is actually one of the better titles. Mariposa is intelligent, a book lover (she's a librarian then a diplomat!), and culturally sensitive (she refuses to believe the stereotypes about crystal fairies and wants to prove that the ridiculous rumors about butterfly fairies all having fire breath and warrior skill are wrong too).

Although Prince Carlos is obviously smitten with Mariposa, there's no overt romantic story line, and most of the plot revolves around Mariposa and Princess Catania befriending each other despite their cultural differences. Zee is a very minion-like (Despicable Me) creature who speaks her own language but can be understood perfectly with her expressive eyes and gestures. So as Barbie movies go, this one promotes literacy, diplomacy, and looking past superficial differences to what friends have in common.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about why these Barbie movies are so popular. Do you have to be a fan of the dolls to enjoy the movies? Which ones are your favorites: the ones where Barbie is in an established story or original ones like this one?
Kids: Does seeing this movie make you more interested in buying the Fairytopia-themed Barbies and accessories? Parents: How can you focus on the stories' positive messages without getting any merchandise?
Despite being a "perfect looking" Barbie, Mariposa isn't as interested in her looks as many other Barbie characters. What are some of the messages about beauty and gender that get communicated in Barbie movies and toys? Is this movie different in any way?