In this re-write of Dumas' The Three Musketeers, Barbie is a country lass named Corinne. Like her deceased father, who just happens to have been D'Artagnan, it is her dream to serve and protect the royal family. But unlike her father she faces even more difficulties in getting to prove herself worthy of the Musketeer title because she is a girl.
This then is the pivotal point of the storyline; that girls can do whatever they want if they are willing to train for it and not let others squash their dreams. And, in fact, this theme is extended to include everyone, even the Prince of France, who feels like he will have to give up his scientific interests once he becomes king. (Corinne advises him to never stop pursuing his interests.)
Corrine is joined in this adventure by 3 other girls, who also happen to also want to be Musketeers. They are all athletic and bright, differing though in their interests. One quotes poetry, one plays the violin, and so forth. But because they are girls they end up working as housekeepers in the palace until they discover that there is a plot against the prince's life. Then they are called upon to use all of their skills.
There is the usual music and dance numbers, as well as the usual avoidance of violence in this film. The talking animals include a mean-spirited dog, Corrine's cat, and a horse named Alexander.
Talking Points:::
I really liked the strong themes in the movie. Like every Barbie film there's a good underlying message and exemplary behavior.
I thought the music was excellent. It's a little more trendy than in previous Barbie movies, and I'm even thinking about seeing if there's a DVD we can purchase.
I thought the animation was not as good as in her other movies. However we saw this at the theater so that may have made small imperfections appear worse than they would at home.
Overall, this would be an okay movie for children. I found the plotting to be a tad inferior to previous storylines, perhaps because the plot of women applying to be Musketeers was such a stretch-- bordering on silly really. And my advice, if you could only purchase one Barbie video for your child, would be to suggest either Barbie Nutcracker or Barbie Princess and the Pauper. But if money isn't a problem, there's no reason not to add this one to your shelves.
This then is the pivotal point of the storyline; that girls can do whatever they want if they are willing to train for it and not let others squash their dreams. And, in fact, this theme is extended to include everyone, even the Prince of France, who feels like he will have to give up his scientific interests once he becomes king. (Corinne advises him to never stop pursuing his interests.)
Corrine is joined in this adventure by 3 other girls, who also happen to also want to be Musketeers. They are all athletic and bright, differing though in their interests. One quotes poetry, one plays the violin, and so forth. But because they are girls they end up working as housekeepers in the palace until they discover that there is a plot against the prince's life. Then they are called upon to use all of their skills.
There is the usual music and dance numbers, as well as the usual avoidance of violence in this film. The talking animals include a mean-spirited dog, Corrine's cat, and a horse named Alexander.
Talking Points:::
I really liked the strong themes in the movie. Like every Barbie film there's a good underlying message and exemplary behavior.
I thought the music was excellent. It's a little more trendy than in previous Barbie movies, and I'm even thinking about seeing if there's a DVD we can purchase.
I thought the animation was not as good as in her other movies. However we saw this at the theater so that may have made small imperfections appear worse than they would at home.
Overall, this would be an okay movie for children. I found the plotting to be a tad inferior to previous storylines, perhaps because the plot of women applying to be Musketeers was such a stretch-- bordering on silly really. And my advice, if you could only purchase one Barbie video for your child, would be to suggest either Barbie Nutcracker or Barbie Princess and the Pauper. But if money isn't a problem, there's no reason not to add this one to your shelves.
Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs
For books about Princesses click here!
2 comments :
I agree, if you can have only one, choose 'Barbie Nutcracker' It might not sound fun, but I've found kids adore it.
Maureen Hume. www.thepizzagang.com
We love it too, Maureen! It's done so well, and the music... well, what can you say, CLASSIC :]
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