Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Darling royal tot is steeped in princess stereotypes.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Wonderful movie!
Age appropriate Sofia!
What's the Story?
In SOFIA THE FIRST: ONCE UPON A PRINCESS, young Sofia (voiced by Ariel Winter) is a commoner whose life changes dramatically when her mother, Miranda (Sara Ramirez), marries King Roland II (Travis Willingham), and the two leave their village life to join Roland and his children, James (Zach Callison) and Amber (Darcy Rose Byrnes), in the royal castle. Suddenly Sofia's simple life becomes a whirlwind of curtsey lessons and table etiquette training at Royal Prep Academy under the guidance of the Three Fairies...and under the critical eyes of her new stepsister, who's less than thrilled about Sofia's arrival. When Roland announces that he's hosting a gala in Sofia's honor, the little princess worries that she won't be ready for the eyes of all of Enchancia to be on her, but a magical gift and the advice of an experienced princess who knows what she's going through might be just what Sofia needs to find the strength to embrace her new position.
Is It Any Good?
Disney's lofty goals for Sofia the First are evident from the get-go in this charming tale, as it toes the line between outright racial diversity and political correctness. It also turns the tables on the stereotypical "evil stepmother" role, and casts a heroine who packs all of the princess-y traits viewers have come to expect into a smaller -- but no less adorable -- package. Clearly they nailed the basics in this darling tot with the voice of an angel who finds the courage to face her new challenges without losing herself in the process. As she manages to win over everyone around her right down to her jealous stepsister, Sofia reminds kids that strength of character and perseverance are the hallmarks to success in endeavors of every size and shape.
But this makes it all the more disappointing that the overall movie package doesn't live up to the gleaming example set by its star. Where Disney could have dropped at least some of the stereotypes and made Sofia even more of a relatable girl-next-door (especially considering her youth), it instead clad her in floor-length ball gowns for school; devoted time to watching her learn to dance, pour tea, and even wave like a princess; and closeted the integral character of her mother for much of the story, save for some trite advice and precious few encounters with her daughter and her new step-kids. And then there's that touchy issue of ethnicity, which casts some shadows on Disney's celebrated recent move toward diversity in princess characters like Mulan, Pocahantas, and Tiana.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the characters adapt to their new lifestyles. How successfully does Sofia make new friends and embrace her new school? Who helps her along the way? What does she gain by meeting these new challenges?
Kids: How is Sofia different from other Disney princesses whose stories you've seen? How are they similar? What aspects fo Sofia's life are similar to yours? Do you have a favorite princess story?
Parents can talk to their kids about the difference between real life and fairy tales. Where do real princes and princesses exist? Are their lives all about royal balls and carriage rides? What real-world responsibilities do they have?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 5, 2013
- Cast: Ariel Winter , Sara Ramirez , Travis Willingham
- Director: Jamie Mitchell
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Non-Binary actors, Bisexual actors, Queer actors
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Brothers and Sisters , Fairy Tales , Friendship
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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