Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings
Centers on sisterhood and family, with a wee bit of peril.
Parents say
Based on 8 reviews
Kids say
Based on 12 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Tinker Bell and the Secret of the Wings
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
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.
Community Reviews
Beautiful family movie
Report this review
Beautiful family film!
Report this review
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
- Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More, Brothers and Sisters, Fairy Tales, Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- Last updated: October 8, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
FernGully: The Last Rainforest
Family favorite features strong environmental message.
-
Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue
A few tense scenes add drama to family and friendship tale.
-
Peter Pan
Stereotypes mar otherwise jaunty Disney adventure classic.
For kids who love fantasy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate