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Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings

Name: Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings
Item: Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings
Rating: 4
Author: Sandie Angulo Chen

Movie review by

Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media

Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings Movie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 4+

(i)

Centers on sisterhood and family, with a wee bit of peril.

G
2012
92 minutes

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Parents say

age 5+

Based on 4 reviews

Kids say

age 4+

Based on 9 reviews

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Official trailer

Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings

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Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings Movie: Scene #2

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We think this movie stands out for:

Character Strengths

A lot or a little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

Educational Value

Not educational but does provide positive lessons.

Positive Messages

This installment in the Tinker Bell universe promotes family, teamwork, and sisterhood. Once they meet, Tink and Periwinkle overcome all odds to get to know each other and not be permanently separated. The importance of sisterhood and of family is emphasized by Tinker's relentless pursuit of finding a way to stay by Peri's side.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Tinker Bell is brave and curious and a bit of a risk-taker. Her curiosity leads her to the discovery of her fairy sister Periwinkle, and together they decide that their connection is worth breaking rules to keep. Even though they're disobeying their leaders, they each prove how important it is to be with your family. All of the fairies band together to keep their beloved fairy dust tree alive.

Violence & Scariness

A few tense scenes when it seems like either Periwinkle or Tinker Bell have damaged wings. In a key sequence, the fairy lands begin to freeze over, threatening the very existence of Pixie Hollow and the fairies' ability to fly.

Sexy Stuff

A girl fairy flirts with a hunky guy fairy. There's one kiss at the end.

Language

Consumerism

The Tinker Bell franchise is full of merchandise tie-ins -- costumes, apparel, games, apps, dolls and more. The theme song is performed by Disney star China Anne McClain and her sisters.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings is the latest direct-to-DVD Tinker Bell movie and features a sweet story about sisterhood and teamwork. There's not much to worry parents -- even those with preschoolers -- but a few tense scenes might make little kids a bit sad at the thought of Tink or her sister Peri not being able to fly. In one sequence, it seems like a weather-related disaster will demolish Pixie Hollow. A fairy couple kisses and another fairy overtly flirts with a brawny male fairy. Overall, however, this is an upbeat tale about the power of family in fairydom.

User Reviews

Parents say
Kids say

Adult Written byOsakaWilson February 22, 2013

age 5+

Sister theme, was good, but everall weak story.

Our girls, 5 and 3, loved the movie. However, compared to the other Tinker Bell movies, the story was weak. Too much was unbelievable and unexplained. I don... Continue reading

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Parent Written byElizabeth S. September 27, 2017

age 3+

Beautiful

This is a great film for kids and to be honest, my favourite of the Tinkerbell movies. It's beautiful, promotes sisterhood and working together.

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Kid, 6 years old November 16, 2012

age 5+

Secret of the Wings

Tinkerbell has a lot of courage to help others. I think kids would like it.

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Teen, 14 years old Written byScreennameGirl November 4, 2012

age 3+

Yet Another Great Family-Friendly Tinker Bell Movie

This is a great movie for the family. It shows how Tinker Bell meets her sister, Periwinkle. They have many adventures in Pixie Hollow and in Winter. Some scene... Continue reading

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What's the story?

In TINKER BELL AND THE SECRET OF THE WINGS, after another season of creating snowflake baskets for the snowy owls to take across the border to the Winter Woods, Tinker Bell's (Mae Whitman) curiosity grows about the fairies that live there. One day Tink temporarily crosses the border into the forbidden land and realizes her wings are sparkling. Determined to figure out why her wings reacted that way, she checks out a book in the fairy library only to be told the author lives in the Winter Woods. Tink sneaks back over to find the author and then finds Periwinkle (Lucy Hale), whose wings also have begun to sparkle. As it turns out, Tink and Peri are fairy sisters "born of the same laugh." But the rules passed down from the fairy leaders insist they remain apart in their own lands, a law both sisters intend to defy at all costs.

Is it any good?

The colorful visuals and sweet themes make this Tinker Bell adventure worth watching with young kids. Unlike the stereotypical princess story, Tink is quite the brave and strong-willed protagonist, and her focus in Secret of the Wings is a stronger relationship with her newfound sister -- not the pursuit of a romance.

Sisterhood, friendship, knowledge, these are the themes of Tinker Bell and Periwinkle's story, and except for a couple of unnecessary kisses between supporting characters, the movie provides just what young fans are expecting. In addition to the colorful visuals and endearing plot, the movie prominently features the catchy pop song "The Great Divide" by Disney starlet China Anne McClain and her two older sisters. The sugary tune, like the movie, is a sweet confection that will make you cheer for sisterhood.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about the theme of sisterhood in Secret of the Wings. How does finding Periwinkle change Tinker Bell? What do they learn from each other? What do you appreciate about your sibling(s)?
How does Tinker Bell's stories compare to other movies about fairies?
Is the brief romance necessary for the movie? Why do so many movies aimed at young girls feature kissing or love stories?
How do the characters in Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?