Common Sense Media Review
Eco-friendly story unrelated to real Thumbelina story.
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Barbie Presents Thumbelina
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie has a few likable characters and a good message, it strays far from the original fairy tale and Barbie concept, leaving some viewers confused and disappointed. It seems best suited for very young audiences, as many find it simple and lacking in substance.
- good message
- suitable for toddlers
- strays from original
- confusing plot
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Though it shares its name with a famous fairy tale, BARBIE PRESENTS THUMBELINA has virtually nothing else in common with the Hans Christian Andersen story. In this version, Thumbelina is the greatest of the Twillerbees, a tiny race of magical creatures who have the power to make plants grow. Their hidden forest enclave is threatened by development, and Thumbelina has only one way to save them: convincing spoiled little rich girl Makena to talk her cell phone-wielding business owner parents into stopping the bulldozers that will obliterate the Twillerbees forever.
Is It Any Good?
Definitely some fun eye candy here, in the form of the richly hued animation of flowers, trees, and a posh glass penthouse. The Barbie franchise has hit on a consistent movie formula and stuck with it: a main character, either fairy or princess, who must overcome various forms of evil with the help of animal sidekicks, determination, and some good old-fashioned grrrl power. This DVD is no different. The evil is threefold: modern corporate development at the expense of the ecosystem, shallow friendships, and clueless, overindulgent parents. Never fear, Thumbelina has them all covered (thanks to an assist by Twillerbee girl friends and a smiling dog.)
Good, positive messages are given about the true meaning of friendship in a materialistic world, the virtue of saving nature, and the ability for small people to accomplish big things -- always a nice message in a movie aimed at children. Unfortunately, the movie is so predictable from the opening scene that even the youngest viewers are unlikely to wonder about its outcome, and older kids will grow quickly bored.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the Twillerbees' contention that you can do anything you want to and that size is not a constraint. What does that mean in your life -- what are the causes that you're willing to try to make a difference over?
What does this story have in common with the original Thumbelina fairy tale? Which do you like better?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 17, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : March 17, 2009
- Cast : Anna Cummer , Kelly Metzger , Kelly Sheridan
- Director : Conrad Helten
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 75 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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