Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Barbie in the Pink Shoes is the latest doll-tied story in Mattel's heavily marketed direct-to-DVD Barbie franchise. There is a bigger educational component to the movie than previous movies, because this one focuses on a teenage ballerina who gets transported into the premises of famous ballets, like Giselle, Swan Lake, and The Snow Queen. Young viewers will learn about the various characters and plot lines of the ballets. Two villains are slightly menacing, particularly the Snow Queen who can freeze people, but never fear, there's still a happy ending.

Sexual Content

No kissing but there's definitely some flirting while Kristyn is in the magical ballet realm. Three different guys propose to her.

Violence

As is common in Barbie movies, there is mild violence as the villain -- in this case the Snow Queen -- "freezes" people into ice statues and forces characters to dance until they're exhausted. She's generally a menacing, cruel presence. Rothbart, the villain from Swan Lake, turns Kristyn and Hailey into swans, but he's less frightening than the Snow Queen. Of course in the end, everyone gets their happy ending.

Language

A few insults about being poor, obnoxious, sloppy, or undisciplined, said a couple of times to different characters.

Social Behavior

The overriding message of the movie is to dance from your heart, which is undeniably a sweet lesson. But what's odd is that Kristyn is applauded for dancing her own steps, getting lost in the music, when ballet is an art form that does not encourage changing choreography and doing her own thing. Overall, however, there is a positive message about sharing your talents, believing in yourself, etc.

Consumerism

All Barbie straight-to-DVDs are made with the intent of spreading awareness and interest in the latest doll, in this case it's the new ballet-dancing Barbie, Kristyn (and other characters in the Pink Shoes line). The Barbie toys are also featured in McDonald's Happy Meals.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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