Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Centers on sisterhood and family, with a wee bit of peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say the movie offers a cute, non-scary option for children, with many reviews highlighting its positive themes of sisterhood, friendship, and teamwork, making it suitable for sensitive kids. While some praised its beautiful animation and emotional storytelling, there were mixed opinions about the plot's strength, with a few noting it fell short compared to other films in the series.
- non-scary option
- sisterhood themes
- beautiful animation
- mixed plot reviews
- suitable for young children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 14 kid reviews
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?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 23, 2012
- Cast : Lucy Hale , Mae Whitman , Timothy Dalton
- Director : Peggy Holmes
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Pansexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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