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Bibi Blocksberg
By Danny Brogan,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Kid-friendly magical adventure has some scares.
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Bibi Blocksberg
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What's the Story?
BIBI BLOCKSBERG tells the story of a young witch (Sidonie von Krosigk) who, after saving two children from a fire, is to be rewarded with her own crystal ball. This gives Bibi the power to see into both the past and the future. But the evil Rabia (Corinna Harfouch) doesn't believe that Bibi deserves this honor. After Rabia deliberately smashes Bibi's crystal ball, the head witch orders Rabia to give Bibi Rabia's own ball. But what no one knows is that Rabia has hidden the spell to eternal youth inside her crystal ball. Together with her conniving cat, Rabia comes up with a plan to get her crystal ball back and rid Bibi from the witching community once and for all.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the German radio series, this first of two Bibi Blocksberg movies inevitably draws comparisons to Harry Potter. But whereas millions of dollars were spent on the Potter franchise, this movie was put together on a far more modest budget. And it shows. The special effects are poor, particularly those where Bibi and her mother fly on their broomsticks. But get past those, and audiences -- kids, at least -- will enjoy a fun, if not memorable, magical ride. The movie starts at a frenetic pace, with little context as to who Bibi is, so some pre-knowledge of the character is expected.
The sub-plot of Bibi's friend Florian (Max Befort) and his absent parents feels like it's from a different movie, and the lack of remorse shown by Bibi's father over making his wife and daughter choose between him or witchcraft is irritating. But the three musical numbers, although random, are fun and well choreographed, and the cast, particularly von Krosigk and Harfouch, are clearly having a "ahem" crystal ball. Inferior to Harry Potter? For sure. But for those unfamiliar with the Daniel Radcliffe movies, or those who are perhaps too young, Bibi Blocksberg is an OK introduction to the genre.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the scary scenes in Bibi Blocksberg. Which scenes did you find most scary? Were these scenes realistic? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
What character strengths does Bibi show? Can you give any real-life examples of humility and courage?
Why does Bibi's father ask her and her mother to give up witchcraft? Do you think it was fair of him to ask? What would you have said if you were Bibi?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 27, 2002
- On DVD or streaming: August 28, 2003
- Cast: Sidonie von Krosigk , Katja Riemann , Corinna Harfouch
- Director: Hermine Huntgeburth
- Studio: Constantin Film
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 27, 2022
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