Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Barbie: The Princess & the Popstar Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 5+

Trading places fantasy is fun (marketing) for little girls.

NR 2012 76 minutes
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Parents say

age 5+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 8+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

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

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Barbie: The Princess and The Popstar is Mattel's version of The Prince and the Pauper. There are a few mild insults ("buffoon," "loco") and a subplot involving a criminal plan to steal a precious, diamond-encrusted magical plant. Like all of the Barbie movies, the storyline is a means to appeal to interested girls who will go on to ask their parents for the specific Barbie dolls (in this case Tori or Keira). Marketing reasons aside, this is a harmless movie about getting the chance to be "who you want," venture outside your comfort zone, and learn what it's like to be different, even if it's just for a couple of days.

Community Reviews

Pink C.
Pink C. Adult
December 7, 2016
age 5+

Princess and the Popstar Review

The song "To be a Popstar" copied the song "To be a Princess" from The Princess and the Pauper.
Courtneydes
Courtneydes Adult
September 28, 2012
age 5+

Barbie has a movie for five year olds! Yea!

My girls (5 and 9) both loved this movie. It was harmless without any scary parts. My 5 year old tends to get VERY scared at movies and most Barbie movies have parts that are too scary for her (according to her). This movie was refreshing in that the "bad guys" who tried to steal the diamonds were in a very minor role and their attempts to steal the diamonds were almost an afterthought. My older daughter (who can handle other movies) enjoyed it as well. Both girls loved the songs, the magic, and did not worry that aspects of the plot were not realistic. I am very happy that Barbie franchise has finally made a movie that caters to the preK/K kids--no scary parts, fun magic, and girls being strong characters. The songs were catchy as well and the girls liked dancing around . Yes, it obviously is a marketing movie for the dolls, but SO much better than the other recent Barbie movies that have cliques/rude friends/or scary villans (in the eyes of the 5 year olds). As an adult it was also cute to watch, nothing too sugary sweet!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In the kingdom of Meribella, sheltered Princess Tori (voiced by Kelly Sheridan) and popstar Keira (Ashleigh Ball) each wish they could be more like the other. When they finally meet at a royal ball, they discover they each possess a magical object: the princess has a hairbrush that can change anyone's hairstyle, and the popstar has a microphone that can alter outfits at will. After playing with their magic, they turn into each other and decide to swap places for a day. But as the night of an important concert approaches, they must work together to save the kingdom from a plot that could leave Meribella destitute.

Is It Any Good?

As Prince and the Pauper adaptations go, this one is definitely approachable for the youngest movie fans. Little girls will be smitten with the idea of getting to trade places with a princess or a popstar (neither is a pauper, because that exact story has already been told in a different Barbie movie!), and parents will appreciate the lessons learned from the experience (staying true to yourself, helping others, and becoming best friends with someone who understands you).

The musical numbers are catchy, and for once there's only the tiniest hint of romance -- and it barely registers compared to the story of the two young women. There's something irresistible about the idea of two people with vastly different lives trading places, and even in the Barbie world, it's more compelling than some of the other movies have been. Barbie DVDs are never likely to convert parents who've banned the doll from their homes, but families who embrace the iconic toy will enjoy her latest movie/marketing vehicle.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Barbie movies are so popular. Do the movies make you want to get those particular Barbie dolls?

  • What do Tori and Keira learn about each other? Why did each think the other had a better life? Did trading places change them?

  • Do you think you'd be as interested in watching this movie if it didn't have the Barbie brand?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

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    Sweet tale about growing up is terrific fun for families.

    age 8+

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