Parents' Guide to

Barbie: Star Light Adventure

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Smart heroine saves the galaxy in outer space adventure.

Movie NR 2016 79 minutes
Barbie: Star Light Adventure Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 3 parent reviews

J D.
J D. Adult
August 23, 2018
age 10+

Why does the mom always have to be dead

Seriously. Another kid’s movie where the mom is dead and died when Barbie was young. Why on earth is this the single most common thread among kids movies??? You writers do know that it’s us moms typically regulating what our kids watch, watching it with them and paying to take them to the theater right? Is it bc it’s mostly men writers?? Do you hate mother’s? Too lazy to write their characters? Or maybe the illustrators have trouble creating adult females?? It does not benefit the stories you write, but it does give your young audience anxiety that they too can lose their moms. Also, in this movie, Barbie constantly puts herself down while comparing her to another girl and is totally a stereotypical weak girl desperate for the boy in the movie. Totally pass on this one.
1 person found this helpful.
Brandy S.
Brandy S. Adult
April 23, 2018
age 2+

Best Barbie movie yet!

To the point but easy to follow, little sisters & baby of 1 & 1/2 watched the whole thing very intently. It's different from all the others! Very Kool movie for sure! My favorite one! I've watched almost all of them!

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Far, far away from Earth in another galaxy, Barbie (voiced with high spirits by Erica Lindbeck) lives an idyllic life with her widowed dad (Michael Chandler) and her beloved pet, Pupcorn, in BARBIE: STAR LIGHT ADVENTURE. Barbie is a hover-board champion, is gifted at communicating with her planet's creatures, and spends her days in a magical world filled with peaceful beauty. On the galaxy's Capital Planet, however, a legendary prophecy is about to come true. It has been said that one day the stars that light the world and maintain harmony for all who live in it will dim and eventually disappear, and the galaxy will be plunged into darkness; only a special being, with the heart of a leader, will be able to restore the stars. As the stars begin to fade, King Constantine (Dwight Schultz) tries and fails again and again to return them to their sparkling glory. As a last hope, he summons a group of volunteers to help. Barbie is one of those volunteers. Along with Sal-Lee (Kimberly Woods), Prince Leo (Robbie Daymond), and some eager sprites, Barbie, spurred on by memories of her deceased mom, uses her wisdom, her desire to make a difference, and her special talents to lead the way and try to make the skies whole again.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (3):

A solid story, eager fans, and a Barbie who is cool, smart, and a great role model spell success for Mattel and its licensees who've introduced a new line of dolls and toys based on this concept. Barbie: Star Light Adventure sets Barbie and her dad in a magical, high-tech, timeless universe with an unspoiled environment and a diverse population. Barbie is faced with meaningful challenges and rises to the occasion with only a few missteps, which she is quick to admit. The straightforward messages presented about being true to oneself, following one's heart, and how anything is possible are never subtle. In fact, the lessons are heard so many times in conversation and multiple original songs, that, though worthy, they become repetitive. It's nice to see how far the Barbie creators have come in making their brand relevant and positive for today's kids, particularly girls. This movie is a welcome entry for old fans and a pleasant introduction for new viewers. Its mild action and simple-to-follow plot make it appropriate for most kids.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the fact that this DVD has been released in tandem with many new Barbie: Star Light Adventure dolls and toys. How does the movie help sell the toys, and how do the toys help sell the movie? How does your family deal with the pressures of this promotion?

  • Barbie admits that she isn't perfect; she often questions things too much, and she sometimes acts before she thinks. How does acknowledging our shortcomings help us make better choices? Think of one lesson you've learned from a mistake you made. How did it change your outlook or your behavior?

  • Villains often learn nothing in stories and never change. This antagonist is different. What did King Constantine take away from his adventure with Barbie? How did the filmmakers show that he had changed?

Movie Details

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