Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams Parent Guide

Barbie Roberts (America Young), her sights set on a Broadway career, makes her way to New York for a summer program at a performing arts school. When she arrives, Barbie is shocked to discover her roommate is also named Barbie Roberts (Amber May). The two Barbies face a summer of hard work and competition. Along the way, both talented teens learn that it’s better to lift each other up than to tear each other down.

As a reviewer who mostly critiques children’s media, I should explain that I try to evaluate productions based on the intended audience, not from my position as an adult movie nerd. I tried my best to watch Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams as if I was a little kid again. And from that perspective, it’s surprisingly good. The songs are catchy and well performed, the voice acting is passable, and there are funny moments. As a bonus, the story is straight forward with a clear message, and that message is important and easy for young kids to understand. On those levels, I’d call this movie a success.

If I allow my adult self an opinion, I could nitpick a few things. The animation is cheap and stilted and there are a few cringy moments. But really, for a production of this size those are not significant criticisms. I’ve seen far worse movies from far bigger studios.

If you have a young Barbie fan at home, they’ll be absolutely trilled with this fun and heartfelt entry into the franchise. Parents will also be delighted by the complete lack of negative content, as well as the clear and positive messages. The story does not pit the two Barbies together, as media tends to do with women, but instead they work together and support one another in reaching their goals. Barbie must work hard to achieve her dreams and doesn’t let setbacks sour her positive attitude. In the end, all the characters learn that competition is about doing your best and being a good friend, not about winning at all costs. For young audiences, this is sure to be a hit.