How's this for a commentary on the music in this movie: I sometimes specifically ask my wife if she has it in the car to listen to, pushing out Duran Duran or other music from the golden age of the early 80's. I am skeptical of musicals by nature, so when I heard that the Barbie people had produced a musical, I could only imagine how shallow the music was going to be, seeing that it would be directed towards our 7-year-old daughter's age group. I of course had no choice but to hear it several times after we bought the movie and our daughter and 3-year-old son wanted to listen to the CD in the car. I was surprised beyond anything I could imagine to find that there is some serious quality among the songs that are done here. As for the movie's animation, it may be my imagination that the production skimped a bit in that area to pay for the songwriting. And of course the Barbie series' animation was already nothing to get excited about in this day of Pixar, Dreamworks, and Blue Sky producing top-notch computer-generated material. But the music itself is really a find, and I would recommend it to anyone.
68 Reviews
Best Barbie movie out there with some flaws
dianamarinelli19 December 2020
This movie is great
dxmmi25 February 2021
First of all, let me begin by saying that I have never watched a barbie movie before. I was visually stunned by the crispy graphics, like it adds so much to the flavour. No honestly, this movie is easy to understand and great for anyone really. To any RE:Zero fans out there, just watch this instead, the producers of re zero are litterally extending this hero/villain storyline so they get the easy dolla fr tho no cap no cap no cap
3 year old daughter is in HEAVEN!
kimiiii18 December 2004
This movie is close to perfect for a little girl who is the frilly/froo-froo/princess type, as mine is. It has "lovely Barbies in beautiful dresses" (her wording), kitties, and songs with catchy tunes. I'm not kidding... she and I both go around singing "...I'm just like yooooou, you're just like meeeeeeeee..." all day! Now and then you can catch her older brothers doing the same, but they will deny it to the death.
Definitely a quality girl's movie. Excellent song writing and voicework. Plus, the visuals are top notch. Colorful animation with incredible facial expressions make this watchable, even for the adults in the room.
The doggish-cat (another cute line in a song), named "Wolfie" is a cute character. I have given up explaining that it IS a cat and not a weird looking dog. My daughter wants one for Christmas now...
Definitely a quality girl's movie. Excellent song writing and voicework. Plus, the visuals are top notch. Colorful animation with incredible facial expressions make this watchable, even for the adults in the room.
The doggish-cat (another cute line in a song), named "Wolfie" is a cute character. I have given up explaining that it IS a cat and not a weird looking dog. My daughter wants one for Christmas now...
Excellent Movie!
sandkels27 January 2005
Cyclone, you are SO WRONG..I am a 35 year old mother of three, and I adore this movie! I bought it for my 3 year old daughter, and both she and my 11 year old daughter watch it every day. Even my 14 year old son got a kick out of it, although he'd NEVER admit as much! I find myself listening to the music CD, and the songs pop in my head at work every day. And you know what? That doesn't mean I have no life..it means I can have FUN! Readers, if you are contemplating renting or buying this movie, I say give it a shot! You'll be pleasantly surprised..it's very cute, entertaining and fun! Might I suggest that readers skip over Cyclone's comment, and let this movie stand for what it is..a fun, DECENT movie the whole family can enjoy!
Pretty good for a Barbie movie!
riverstyxdriad8 March 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, if your looking for Dickens here you won't get it... but if your open-minded and come out it from the right point of view you will at least be amused, if you don't like it.
The movie is obviously made for children. The characters Analiese and Erika and their respective love matches don't even share a kiss on screen. I found it obvious who they were going to end up with at the end of the movie... perhaps they hadn't meant it to be ambiguous, but maybe a bit more subtlety? The animation is very good! Sure, you won't mistake it for reality, but it is very surprising for a Barbie movie. Over all, I'd definitely recommend this- not to my friends, who are too old for this movie- but for the girl I babysit for.
The movie is obviously made for children. The characters Analiese and Erika and their respective love matches don't even share a kiss on screen. I found it obvious who they were going to end up with at the end of the movie... perhaps they hadn't meant it to be ambiguous, but maybe a bit more subtlety? The animation is very good! Sure, you won't mistake it for reality, but it is very surprising for a Barbie movie. Over all, I'd definitely recommend this- not to my friends, who are too old for this movie- but for the girl I babysit for.
The best Barbie movie of all time (It's 2020 now)
Hassaan_Lightstone22 March 2020
I remember when I was 8 years old (and now I am 23) I watched this movie for the first time. Since then it's the best Barbie movie for me. Art, Characters, Story and Music, everything was great. The animation of environment with the osts are beautiful and peaceful. I never loved songs and characters of any Barbie movies more than of this one. One thing unique in Barbie movies which is loved by me is that they convey their messages through their songs, and this movie did that a lot. As princess Anneliese and Erika sings ,"Written in your heart", Barbie as Princess and the Pauper is written in my heart. Literally all the songs of this movie are my favorites, and Melissa Lyons, Julie Stevens, Mark Luna and Alessandro Juliani have done wonderful performances in doing it. Now I want to talk about the antigonist Preminger, except his villain side I love everything about him especially his humor. My laughs on him are same as I was kid. I want give the award of "Best Barbie movie villain" to Preminger. The last thing I want to talk is about moral lessons of this movie. Like typically every Barbie movie has a lesson, this movie also have and focuses on the importance of freedom, responsibilities of each individuals and friendship. The songs "Free!", "I am a girl like you" and "Written in your heart" are based on the lessons.
This movie deserves to be in the favorites of every Barbie movie fans. The amazing fact is, it actually is! Knowing that fact I say this movie is literally one of the best Barbie movie of all time (Perhaps literally the best).
This movie deserves to be in the favorites of every Barbie movie fans. The amazing fact is, it actually is! Knowing that fact I say this movie is literally one of the best Barbie movie of all time (Perhaps literally the best).
Cute...
RosanaBotafogo19 February 2023
Barbie comes to life in this modern take on a classic tale about mistaken identity and the power of friendship. Based on the story by Mark Twain, Barbie in an amazing dual role as a princess and a poor village girl - two girls who bear an amazing resemblance! The girls' paths are destined to cross when Princess Anneliese is captured and Érika, the village girl, has to try to save her. Could Erika pretend to be the Princess and fool her captor, the evil Preminger? And the handsome King Dominick, who falls in love with Erika, mistaking her for Anneliese? In this magical musical performance, two beautiful and courageous girls dare to follow their dreams and discover that destiny is written in a very special place: your heart!
Graphic is very weak, simplistic and tasteless, the story is very cute, but the excessive musicals are so boring, the first one is even cute, the other little songs make it boring, very childish drawing for little children, who must love, or rather, must having loved it at the time, my students always brought Barbie DVDs up on the day of the cinema... I had to be very patient to watch it, but they liked it... The end credits with the recording errors were cute", cute....
Graphic is very weak, simplistic and tasteless, the story is very cute, but the excessive musicals are so boring, the first one is even cute, the other little songs make it boring, very childish drawing for little children, who must love, or rather, must having loved it at the time, my students always brought Barbie DVDs up on the day of the cinema... I had to be very patient to watch it, but they liked it... The end credits with the recording errors were cute", cute....
Almost Rogers and Hammerstein
wyomike14 September 2006
Some of the sweetest words I've heard lately were, "Daddy, come watch Barbie with me." After she feel asleep in my arms, I finished the movie... re-wound it and watched some scenes again.
I later rented the movie again for myself... uh, err, I mean for her of coarse... okay, I have no pride.
I thought the lyrics and music were world level excellent. The delicate, innocent emotions captured by the animators were heart melting and Martin Short's voice work was hilarious.
I think if this was a more innocent time, "Arnie Roth" (composer) would be listed among the greats. Hmmmm, Rogers and Hammerstein? - maybe more still to come from this great talent.
A definite top 500 best movies of all time.
I later rented the movie again for myself... uh, err, I mean for her of coarse... okay, I have no pride.
I thought the lyrics and music were world level excellent. The delicate, innocent emotions captured by the animators were heart melting and Martin Short's voice work was hilarious.
I think if this was a more innocent time, "Arnie Roth" (composer) would be listed among the greats. Hmmmm, Rogers and Hammerstein? - maybe more still to come from this great talent.
A definite top 500 best movies of all time.
Nice movie, but definitely not a classic
carolinapereira199530 May 2005
I know that, when people make a Barbie movie, they are probably thinking "This movie is going to be a classic" or "They will probably like it so much, it will become as famous as Annie". But when I saw this movie, I was sort of disappointed. I thought it actually would be a classic, but it didn't have enough songs to become a classic, and there needed to be more emotion in the story line. Still, the movie itself was nice. The only problem with it was that it didn't have the potential to be better than those smash hit Broadway movies. Broadway type movies are usually emotional and have a very very very good cast. This movie had a cast that I would give five out of ten stars, and there were only like nine songs. I hope that the next Barbie movie actually does "make it to the top".
Uninspiring animation, but surprisingly tolerable writing
verylisa16 November 2004
My four-year-old daughter has been watching this over and over, and has drawn crowns on her shoulders to match Princess Annalise's crown-shaped birthmark.
The animation looks like cut-scenes from a video game, rather than the quality you'd expect from an animated movie. But it perfectly hits the expectations of its target audience: it's pretty, engaging, colorful and clean.
The characters are one-dimensional stereotypes, but the title characters (both 'played' by Barbie) are actually quite likable.
Princess Annalise is a geek (a pretty geek, but still a geek), has the hots for her impoverished tutor rather than her intended kingly husband, and ends up saving the kingdom with her geological talents and business acumen (really!).
The Pauper, Erika, is cheeky, goofy, and independent. She might have a king falling in love with her, but she's got her own dreams that don't necessarily coincide with his, and she's going to be true to herself first.
The songs are nothing startling. They're pleasant, joyful, sometimes a little bit silly, and sung well.
There are simple, clear girl-power messages throughout this film. I'd much rather my daughter be indoctrinated by this than by stories where the beautiful, vapid princess marries the handsome prince and nothing else actually happens.
The animation looks like cut-scenes from a video game, rather than the quality you'd expect from an animated movie. But it perfectly hits the expectations of its target audience: it's pretty, engaging, colorful and clean.
The characters are one-dimensional stereotypes, but the title characters (both 'played' by Barbie) are actually quite likable.
Princess Annalise is a geek (a pretty geek, but still a geek), has the hots for her impoverished tutor rather than her intended kingly husband, and ends up saving the kingdom with her geological talents and business acumen (really!).
The Pauper, Erika, is cheeky, goofy, and independent. She might have a king falling in love with her, but she's got her own dreams that don't necessarily coincide with his, and she's going to be true to herself first.
The songs are nothing startling. They're pleasant, joyful, sometimes a little bit silly, and sung well.
There are simple, clear girl-power messages throughout this film. I'd much rather my daughter be indoctrinated by this than by stories where the beautiful, vapid princess marries the handsome prince and nothing else actually happens.
A delightful surprise
georgecruz2 May 2005
Warning: Spoilers
(Well, I gave this a 10 only because that's what my 5 year old daughter would give it.) My daughter and I were at the video department and I asked her to pick out a video and I'd buy it for her. To my horror, she picked Barbie. I was dreading this because she's the type of person that can watch a movie over, and over and over again; and I sit with her and watch it again, and again (and I pretend to enjoy it). :o)
Well, to my surprise, it wasn't that bad at all. I actually enjoyed it.
Spoiler======================================================== The princess is intelligent and strong; she doesn't wait for the prince to rescue her. The pauper is not so easily swept away by the prince. She follows her dream to be a singer and then she decides when she wants to marry. ================================================================
Over all, I was very pleasantly surprised. The music was very entertaining as well.
Well, to my surprise, it wasn't that bad at all. I actually enjoyed it.
Spoiler======================================================== The princess is intelligent and strong; she doesn't wait for the prince to rescue her. The pauper is not so easily swept away by the prince. She follows her dream to be a singer and then she decides when she wants to marry. ================================================================
Over all, I was very pleasantly surprised. The music was very entertaining as well.
My entire childhood
The_Gh0st29 January 2020
Enjoyable
lisafordeay22 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The Princess & The Pauper is another Barbie installment and tells the story of two young women. One is a princess called Annalise while the other is a commoner called Erika(both voiced by Kelly Sheridan)who switch places as Annalise is kidnapped by an evil lord (voiced by Martin Short who was in Legend Of Oz,Dorothy's return and he was in Treasure Planet) who wants to take control of the kingdom(and if you seen Frozen there is one charcther that does the same thing as this guy,I'm not saying who he is but if you seen it you know what I'm on about).
So its up to Erika to fill in for the princess with Jullian who makes her wear a Blonde wig so that the people at the kingdom will know that its the princess and not the commoner. So he teaches her all about being a princess. But things start getting complicated for Erika as she falls in love with the prince Dominick.
The animation in this is sorta plastic-looking as the animation on the character's hair is sorta fake and not as realistic as the Disney movies like Bolt or Tangled as you can see the hair strands on the character's hair. Here its like a blob of paint. Also I maybe the only one but all the male leads in the Barbie movies are so one-dimensional and they don't have a personality. The songs were cringworthy but still I liked the song A Cat's Meow and If You Love Me For Me which was a cute song.
The villain in this is OK,voiced by Martin Short. He kinda reminds me of a villain that was in a recent Disney movie that I have seen. Except the villain in that was acting all noble and that,whereas here you know that the villain in this movie was evil and bad.
Overall the film was OK,its no Oscar Worthy film and its not the best animated film of all time that would knock your socks off,but still if you got kids who loves Barbie than they'll like it,if not than watch a CGI cartoon that has humor and heart and isn't false looking.
5/10
So its up to Erika to fill in for the princess with Jullian who makes her wear a Blonde wig so that the people at the kingdom will know that its the princess and not the commoner. So he teaches her all about being a princess. But things start getting complicated for Erika as she falls in love with the prince Dominick.
The animation in this is sorta plastic-looking as the animation on the character's hair is sorta fake and not as realistic as the Disney movies like Bolt or Tangled as you can see the hair strands on the character's hair. Here its like a blob of paint. Also I maybe the only one but all the male leads in the Barbie movies are so one-dimensional and they don't have a personality. The songs were cringworthy but still I liked the song A Cat's Meow and If You Love Me For Me which was a cute song.
The villain in this is OK,voiced by Martin Short. He kinda reminds me of a villain that was in a recent Disney movie that I have seen. Except the villain in that was acting all noble and that,whereas here you know that the villain in this movie was evil and bad.
Overall the film was OK,its no Oscar Worthy film and its not the best animated film of all time that would knock your socks off,but still if you got kids who loves Barbie than they'll like it,if not than watch a CGI cartoon that has humor and heart and isn't false looking.
5/10
...Rebuttal. Personal Opinions Differ. (:
schmaltz1313 December 2004
Actually, I thought Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper was surprisingly good. Usually I'd kick up a big fuss before watching Barbie, of all things, in anything at all. But as an avid fan of musicals and music in general, I felt compelled to watch it after one advertisement as I thought the music was indeed refreshingly catchy. The plot line was pretty sweet and... I just enjoyed it tremendously... even though I have to agree that the commercials were irritating. I particularly like the song "I Am A Girl Like You" and would seriously recommend fans of musicals and/or music in general to watch it as a form of relaxing distraction.
PS. I'd also like to comment on cyclone259's comments about adults finding Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper to their tastes. Everyone has his/her own opinions and you would do well not to judge them based on them. In fact, it's actually quite insulting.
PS. I'd also like to comment on cyclone259's comments about adults finding Barbie as the Princess and the Pauper to their tastes. Everyone has his/her own opinions and you would do well not to judge them based on them. In fact, it's actually quite insulting.
An adult's favorite movie
allie-724823 August 2022
As a child I loved this movie. Now I am in my 20's and this is my favorite movie. I hate when people think it's a joke like 'haha a Barbie movie' they have great lessons and this one has great plot twists I adore! Seriously best movie ever and also I have a cat named wolfie.. he doesn't bark tho ;)
Really good.
emmis-9356523 January 2021
Another great Barbie video!
mstemen12 October 2004
I have been amazed that Mattel and Mainframe Entertainment have been able to to keep up the level of quality in these videos. With so many low quality videos coming out of the "big" animation studios, my wife and I are always expecting that we might be let down each time a new Barbie video comes out; however, each one has met or exceeded our expectations! The music in this musical is well done and fun to sing along with. The voice actors are amazing, and I have enjoyed the famous actors they have chosen for each video. Someone in their marketing department deserves a raise! I don't know if we'll get the next one, "Fairytopia", but the first four videos have been well worth our investment. We appreciate that the music in the videos has been very high class--no rap or rock music--well done!
I could care less what other no life adult thinks of me, because I like this movie.
cte7906131 December 2004
cte79061: I am a adult and I loved the Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper movie. It has a good story line and good intrigue and the music was great. cyclone 259: (If you're an adult and thought this was top-notch entertainment for your own age bracket, then you either: a) you need to get out a WHOLE lot more OR b) seriously think about re-examining your personal and/or social life.)End cyclone259 cte79061: Who are you to judge me because I choose to like this movie? So, you judge me and tell me I need to get out more or I need to re examine my social life. It seems to me you need re think your judgmental attitude and knock yourself off the pedestal you put yourself on. Only God has that right to judge me. I even like the Barbie as Rapunzel and Barbie of Swan Lake. I'll like what I want it's my God given right.
Musical - you sure???
cyski29 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Until this year the Barbie movies could have been seen as both a blessing and a curse for parents of young girls. A blessing as it nearly guarantees 90 minutes peace and quiet during the holiday season. A curse because if the girls in question have a younger brother you may be subjected to that bone chilling phrase of "I wanna watch Barbie" from your "little soldier".
This year the movie has moved into 100% curse. The film is no worse. The animation is no worse (or better for survivors of the first two). There still is NOTHING to make an adult even contemplate watching the film. So why the change???
This year is Barbie's first musical - in it she plays two parts (POSSIBLE SPOILER she plays the princess and the pauper - honestly who would have guessed! SPOILERS END).
For some unknown, unfathomable and probably budget induced reason the two Barbie voices CANNOT sing in harmony together. They sound dreadful, your 90 minutes peace and quiet have turned into waiting for the next song which sounds like somebody dragging their fingernails down a blackboard.
This honestly is the worst film I have been subjected too since my girls grandpa gave them a copy of Pippy Longstocking.
Just buy the toy it'll save you the nagging and the headaches.
This year the movie has moved into 100% curse. The film is no worse. The animation is no worse (or better for survivors of the first two). There still is NOTHING to make an adult even contemplate watching the film. So why the change???
This year is Barbie's first musical - in it she plays two parts (POSSIBLE SPOILER she plays the princess and the pauper - honestly who would have guessed! SPOILERS END).
For some unknown, unfathomable and probably budget induced reason the two Barbie voices CANNOT sing in harmony together. They sound dreadful, your 90 minutes peace and quiet have turned into waiting for the next song which sounds like somebody dragging their fingernails down a blackboard.
This honestly is the worst film I have been subjected too since my girls grandpa gave them a copy of Pippy Longstocking.
Just buy the toy it'll save you the nagging and the headaches.
I love this movie
abbybabby-736615 May 2020
Kelly Sheridan
freakfire-131 December 2008
Another Barbie movie. And guess what? Kelly Sheridan is also in this film. Before I ever ran across the Barbie movies, I would have never heard this name, but that is the miracle for being willing to watch any movie out there.
Anyway, its just a Barbie version of the "Prince and the Pauper" that has been done so many times before. Except this is a GGI Barbie version with a twist: somebody is trying to take over the 'Barbie kingdom'. Yes, very exciting.
Overall, except for the two couples at the end, the story followed the traditional format. Not much to see here. "D-"
Anyway, its just a Barbie version of the "Prince and the Pauper" that has been done so many times before. Except this is a GGI Barbie version with a twist: somebody is trying to take over the 'Barbie kingdom'. Yes, very exciting.
Overall, except for the two couples at the end, the story followed the traditional format. Not much to see here. "D-"
Better than I could have hoped for
deedwar11 November 2004
The thought of watching a Barbie video didn't thrill me but I knew my daughter would be interested so I bought this. To my surprise, it was wonderful! The music is extremely well done, both lyrically and melodically. The lyrics are very clever and poignant. It's also performed by the London Symphony Orchestra.
Unlike most Disney movies and other children's shows, there is no violence at all. There's also no bad language. That alone is very refreshing.
Martin Short does the voice of Preminger and he's simply fantastic. He also gets to showcase his wonderful singing voice and unique voice talents.
It's hard to imagine anyone not liking this movie.
Unlike most Disney movies and other children's shows, there is no violence at all. There's also no bad language. That alone is very refreshing.
Martin Short does the voice of Preminger and he's simply fantastic. He also gets to showcase his wonderful singing voice and unique voice talents.
It's hard to imagine anyone not liking this movie.
Perfect Little Girl's Movie
raevan-229 January 2007
I've read many of the other reviews for this movie and usually I read the negative first.
First of all this movie is aimed at little girls. Girls probably from 3-10 who love all the beautiful magic this film brings to life.
The story is similar to the Prince and the Pauper and it isn't historically accurate. This is after all a simple movie for children and doesn't need a lot of violence, action, or too much depth.
The colors are rich and the animation (all computer animated) is beautiful. The details and the softness of the characters make the movie much easier to watch than some of today's - Saturday morning cartoons.
I am a sucker for all fairy -tales and like to watch them all - even as an adult so I can sit and enjoy these types of movies with my daughter.
This movie defiantly isn't for everyone- but if you are into the girlie scene and love fairy tales and won't go overboard if there is changes made - then this is your ticket! And it's perfect for the little princess who would love to see her toys come to life on screen.
First of all this movie is aimed at little girls. Girls probably from 3-10 who love all the beautiful magic this film brings to life.
The story is similar to the Prince and the Pauper and it isn't historically accurate. This is after all a simple movie for children and doesn't need a lot of violence, action, or too much depth.
The colors are rich and the animation (all computer animated) is beautiful. The details and the softness of the characters make the movie much easier to watch than some of today's - Saturday morning cartoons.
I am a sucker for all fairy -tales and like to watch them all - even as an adult so I can sit and enjoy these types of movies with my daughter.
This movie defiantly isn't for everyone- but if you are into the girlie scene and love fairy tales and won't go overboard if there is changes made - then this is your ticket! And it's perfect for the little princess who would love to see her toys come to life on screen.
A modern love story about being true to yourself and your dreams, then being loved in return.
jennyrae9281 August 2006
Being sceptical of Barbie computer animation, I hesitantly agreed to watch this film with my 6 year old daughter. I was wonderfully surprised. The music, the animation, and the story were fluid, artistic, and actually captivating. I found myself WANTING to see what was going to happen next. It wasn't as predictable as I initially thought, and I found myself singing along by the end! Well done to the producers of the film along with everyone else involved. I would highly recommend this film to anyone with children (my 8 year old son even watched it without a moan) and to anyone who is just a hopeless romantic. Very enjoyable viewing. I have since seen the movie several times...sometimes with no children accompanying me.
See also
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