Common Sense Media Review
By Grace Montgomery
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Purple dino teaches kids how to overcome fear, be confident.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 2+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Barney: Let's Make Music
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Melanie (Kelly Eichenholz) wants to play her violin in the talent show but freezes up when she tries to play in front of an audience. Luckily, Barney (Bob West) comes along and takes her to the fantasy fair to help her overcome her fear. There they learn that B.J. (Patty Wirtz), who brags about riding the elephants, is actually afraid, too. Barney teaches everyone to recognize signs of fear and anxiety and provides tips for how to overcome them, like taking a deep breath. Even so, Melanie is still too afraid to try playing in front of an audience. That is, until their buddy Riff (Patty Wirtz) needs some help performing with his band on stage. Will Melanie be able to help? Or will her fear get the best of her?
Is It Any Good?
Although parents will probably groan their way through it, this Barney movie is fun, flashy, and sure to be a crowd pleaser for the preschooler set. The song and dance numbers are big and showy, with lots of costumes, music, and exotic sights, such as stilt walkers and elephants. Kids expecting a lot about musical instruments or making music may be disappointed, though, since the focus is more on overcoming stage fright than actually making music. But they should still enjoy the fair fun.
Parents will definitely appreciate the tips Barney gives for overcoming fear and building confidence, which will be especially helpful for shy or anxious kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about fear. What are you afraid of? Does it keep you from doing things you'd like to do?
Do you like to perform in front of people? Or do you get stage fright like Melanie?
What can you do to overcome fear and anxiety?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 5, 2006
- Cast : Bob West , Julie Johnson , Kelly Eichenholz
- Director : Jim Rowley
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 50 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 2, 2019
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