Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Full-length commercial for toys; cute but routine story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Shopkins: World Vacation
What's the Story?
In SHOPKINS: WORLD VACATION, the Shopkins and Shoppies are in for a big treat. Kooky Cookie (Kate Murphy) has been identified as the One Millionth Shopper in Shopville. She wins a fabulous prize: a trip to anywhere in the entire world. And she can take her friends! Donatina's newly announced video blog "Nice to See You with Donatina" quickly becomes a travel blog with Cheeky Chocolate as cinematographer. Excitement mounts after a spirited discussion, and the Shopkins pick London. With a new Shoppie as their guide and pilot, the team is excited to see the sights, ride a double-decker bus, and, particularly for Bubbleisha (Erika Harlacher), meet the Royal Crown Jewel Shopkin. But things go awry when two jewel thieves, the Biscuit Bandits, steal the diamond from Royal Crown Jewel and, running from the London bobbies (police), hide it in plain sight right on Kooky Cookie! Little do our heroes know, but a fabulous Parisian designer has spotted Kooky, thinks her "look," especially with the diamond, would be a hit in the fashion world, and spirits the innocent little Shopkin to France. In an all-out effort to find Kooky, the Shopkins crew makes its way to Paris, New York City, and even Japan. Will they rescue their dear friend? Get the diamond back for Royal Crown Jewel Shopkin? Will the Biscuit Bandits pay a price for their bad behavior?
Is It Any Good?
DVDs sell toys and toys sell DVDs, so this second film in the Shopkins inventory, with uninspired animation, generic music and story, continues to rely on the "cute" factor for marketing. The tiny, one-inch collectibles are inexpensive, adorable, and, of course, perfect as stocking stuffers; the timing of this release isn't surprising. With its travel theme and the opportunity to introduce some international flavor to its very young audiences, it's sad that the filmmakers have chosen to make the tourist spots generic, too. In fact, when blogger Donatina announces a random fact about the exciting new places, with one exception, she turns out to be wrong. It's a funny joke, but a wasted chance to provide interesting information. The fact that with each character's initial appearance, the name flashes on the screen -- the better to clearly identify the purchasable little doll -- is particularly inelegant. Shopkins: World Vacation is fine for young Shopkins fans; even better for the toy industry.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the collaboration between toy manufacturers and film companies who market their products to young kids. Why is it important for families to be aware of such cross-promotional efforts? How does your family decide how much or how little to purchase?
What is a movie "villain"? Who were the villains in Shopkins: World Vacation?
If you are a regular Shopkins fan, did you notice how many new characters were introduced in Shopkins: World Vacation? What was the purpose of flashing the name of the character on the screen at the first appearance? Do you remember those names?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 19, 2017
- Cast : Kate Murphy , Cassandra Morris , Erika Harlacher
- Director : Richard Bailey
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 71 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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