Barbie: Fairytopia Parent Guide

Just through the rainbow lies the land of Fairytopia. The magical kingdom is blooming with blossoms, graced with gorgeous meadows and full of flying creatures. But there is one exception to its perfection: Elina (Barbie - voiced by Kelly Sheridan). Born without wings, the blonde-haired fairy is teased by some of the local inhabitants.

Then one day, a wicked enchantress decides to take control of the realm. Concocting an evil formula, she sprinkles it over the land, poisoning everything with petals or wings. Suddenly Elina’s flightlessness becomes an asset. Setting out on foot, the lanky-legged girl determines to warn the Guardian about the dangerous situation.

Her courageous journey takes her through dark forests, into strange towns, under the sea and to the secluded castle of the sorceress. Along the way she finds help from a fluffy, fur-ball sidekick, a heroic butterfly, and an impish dryad. Working together they face a force of minion fungi, outrun explosive firebirds, and-hardest of all - try to resist the temptation of seeking selfish desires.

This computer-generated animation is the latest in a series of Barbie movies released directly to the home video. Although the characters wear skimpy costumes and the story contains some mild peril, the only real concern for parents (especially those with young daughters) will be the not-so-subtle marketing angle.

Launching a new line of dolls complete with wings and a butterfly pendant necklace (that is an integral part of the plot), the production advertises the product and the product advertises the production, in a sales scheme so perfect it must have been made in ...Fairytopia.

About author

Donna Gustafson

Donna Gustafson has been involved with her husband Rod's work since the beginning. Handling many of the behind-the-scenes tasks, she also creates preview pages for up-coming movies, acts as managing editor and occasionally writes reviews.