Lalaloopsy: Band Together
Gentle music-themed tale introduces new dolls, toys.
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Lalaloopsy: Band Together
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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 Lalaloopsy: Band Together is a DVD in the popular franchise featuring rag dolls and accessories from MGM Entertainment. This story launches the musical Lalaloopsy line, offering the brand's very young fans new dolls, games, toys, and the like with a guitarist ("Strings Pick 'N' Strum"), a drummer ("Sticks Boom Crash"), and a piano player ("Keys Sharps 'N' Flats"). It's a simple story with music about putting together a band, teamwork, and making dreams come true. Fan favorites (Jewel Sparkle, Forest Evergreen, and Dot Starlight) come along for the musical ride with their pets, with their individual talents all aiding in the formation of this latest Lalaloopsyland phenomenon. It's a perfect example of cross-marketing, with the DVD making the pitch while the stores and websites deliver the goods.
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What's the Story?
LALALOOPSY: BAND TOGETHER introduces three brand-new dolls with special talents. Keys Sharps 'N' Flats loves to play the piano, and she wants to be a star. Strings Pick 'N' Strum has great fun with the guitar but only when she plays alone. And Sticks Boom Crash is an ace drummer but hasn't yet learned how drumming works with other instruments to actually make a song. Wouldn't you know, it's Jewel Sparkle that figures out how to put the three together and make their dreams of being musicians come true. With practice, teamwork, and a little of her magic, Jewel can turn them all into rock stars, with a tour right in Lalaloopsyland. After a few false starts and some minor setbacks (a nasty case of stage fright, a van that breaks down) and some personality issues to overcome, Jewel is true to her word. The Buttonettes have come to town!
Is It Any Good?
It's always nice when such a bright array of sweet and talented dolls avoid all bad behavior and any mischief and are basically thoughtful, helpful, and generous. The rag dolls learn important lessons about how teamwork and respect for each individual's talents and specialness make good things happen. The story also points out how great it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself, to share the limelight with others, and how satisfying it is to be an artist or performer. The issue here, unfortunately, is the actual music that plays throughout. The songs are repetitious, trite, unimaginative, and, at least in the case of the signature tune, they quickly become annoying. A little musical inspiration would have gone a long way toward making this DVD special.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why music is an ideal way to tell a story about teamwork. How does working together make music better? How can each individual shine when the music works?
Lalaloopsy was founded as a toy that promotes "the idea that old things can become new again, everything can be repurposed, and nothing should ever go to waste." Do you think the current array of products available and marketing strategy is true to this original idea? Why, or why not?
Jewel Sparkle is a talented leader and organizer. How does this story show it's important for her to listen to her team? What does Jewel learn in this story?
Does watching this movie make you want to buy the associated dolls? Would kids who are not familiar with Lalaloopsy enjoy this story, or do you need to be a fan to appreciate it?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 11, 2015
- Cast: Laura Gervais, Selia Sangra, Sofia Tchernetsky
- Directors: Roy Allen Smith, Melissa Suber
- Studio: MGM
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Friendship, Music and Sing-Along
- Run time: 45 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 20, 2022
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