recommended

Expected more

Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

This is a dark and sometimes deeply uncomfortable drama

I came to this because I had a bad experience watching the Disney "Cinderella," and wondered at what passed for acceptable these days. I chose what I thought would be the gene with the lowest standards. I picked wrong. I should have gone with preteen boy anime, because this is pretty darn good.The animation is actually good. The rendering isn't naturalistic, but since this is supposed to be a doll, its apt. What struck me was how natural the movements of the princess (played by Barbie) were. I think this must have been a marketing decision, because if I recall the doll itself is stiff. The decision to have the girl play with what could be sold as stuffed animals also clearly influenced the story.The story itself was pretty standard; one arc but with enough elaboration to qualify as long form.But what made this stand out was the music. This was actually a very professional assembly, on the order of production values every bit as good as your standard Broadway musical. Naturally, the songs are pulled from that formula book. There's nothing to get excited about in terms of depth; its just that this was not taken lightly. The little girls who watch this, at least get the respect of not being taken for granted.Ted's Evaluation -- 2 of 3: Has some interesting elements.

I find it hard to believe that these Barbie movies don't get more exposure or recognition, because I think the are all so amazing. I didn't even know that these movies existed until I let my 2 year old daughter pick out a movie at the video store. She picked Barbie & The 12 Dancing Princesses (which is also a favorite). I expected them to be silly and not to have much depth (like my son's Land Before Time movies). Boy, was I wrong! They are so good, we've bought almost all of them now.The reason I love this movie so much is that it's the ultimate love story (and not just love of a "boy & girl", but the love of family, too). It reminds me a little of the movie "Ever After" with Drew Barrymore. Sure, it's the standard 'formula' movie, but it's very satisfying and quite touching in the end (I even cried! A 40 year old woman crying watching a BARBIE movie! I can't believe I am even admitting that!). Not to mention, the songs are excellent. I am not much for musicals, but the songs in this movie really fit in. They don't just break out in song for no reason - it really meshes into the storyline (like most Disney movies I love like Beauty & The Beast and The Little Mermaid, but perhaps even more effectively than those). The woman that sings the songs also sang in the other Barbie musical movies and her voice is phenomenal.The best part about this movie is that it's not scary in any way for the small kids. My son likes Barbie in the Magic of Pegasus better (because of the scary Wenlock), but watches this one along with his sister just as intently.Keep the WONDERFUL Barbie movies coming. We are HUGE fans!

This movie has marginally above average animation but really excels in the music and positive messages for young girls. My dad didn't want my daughters to watch Barbie movies because of the bimbo image of Barbie but the Barbie movies contain positive role models. The scenery and voices are a nice addition to the overall movie and my daughters really enjoy the characters. Songs are well sung and catchy for the kids and generously added through the movie. The plots in all these movies are basically the same which actually seems to help my girls follow what's going on. The girl seems to always become a princess and marry a prince but very positive messages about fairness and kindness are ingrained with being royalty so I'm happy to let me daughters watch these movie.

I have a 18 month old daughter and a 3 1/2 year old son and if there is any one video in their small collection that will keep them BOTH happy, its the Barbie series. I have a couple of them and so far, this one is the favorite of my entire family. Even my husband LOVED it, which is saying a lot since he's not into Barbie. The music is so wonderful and catchy. I had to hunt down the "I Need to Know" song for my husband's Ipod, I do encourage you to find it. You can purchase it online. There is a UK cd available as well. This is a great video and I hope they continue to produce more Barbie Musical videos. I'm already planning on a Barbie themed Christmas this year for my daughter. She may not be able to play with the toys, just yet, but she will have them when she can. I do recommend this video as well as the other Barbie vids in this series. They are great for all ages.