Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale

Like A Fairy Secret, despite the negative press, I wanted to like A Fashion Fairytale, seeing as I do like the Barbie movies in general. But I just couldn't warm to this movie. Granted it is better than A Fairy Secret, but only just. The only things that don't make A Fashion Fairytale worse than it actually was were the characters of the "flairies" who were adorable and the sole standout from an animation perspective, the underused but nice Parisian settings and the catchy soundtrack. Other than that, I disliked the animation, which was rougher and less vibrant and Barbie herself looked terrible with big eyes, a tiny mouth and she looked anorexic. The story was very shallow and formulaic, with dialogue that feels forced and relying too much on fashion and snobbery(very like A Fairy Secret) and negative messaging like hate and vanity rather than positive messages like forgiveness, bravery and you are more than you seem to be. I know they had the believe in yourself message, but they've done it before and better, here it felt out of place. The characters I usually find cute and likable, but other than the "flairies" not here. If anything they are childish stereotypes, especially Ken, Theresa and the annoyingly catty Jacqueline, and the zombie peas were annoying and wore out their welcome after their first appearance. The voice acting manages to be stilted, with the new Barbie voice actress nowhere near as natural or endearing as Kelly Sheridan, who was getting better and better every time. Overall, one of the worst Barbie movies, lacking in magic and complete with shallow storytelling, characters that are hard to empathise with and bad messaging little more than a marketing ploy and encouraging the latest fashion. Best seek out Nutcracker, Diamond Castle, The Prince and the Pauper, The Island Princess, The 12 Dancing Princesses, Swan Lake and Rapunzel instead. 3/10 Bethany Cox