Barbie in A Mermaid Tale (2010)

Release Date:

2010

Movie Rating:

TV-Y

Runtime:

1h 15m

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale (2010) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In Barbie in A Mermaid Tale, Barbie stars as Merliah, a teenage surfing champion from Malibu. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she is actually a mermaid. Merliah learns that her mother, Calissa, is the queen of Oceana, a beautiful underwater kingdom. However, Oceana is in trouble, as the evil Eris has taken over the throne. With the help of her dolphin friend Zuma and her new mermaid friends, Merliah embarks on an adventure to save her mother and restore peace to Oceana. Along the way, she navigates the challenges of her dual identity as both a human and a mermaid, using her unique abilities to overcome obstacles and outsmart Eris. The movie is filled with vibrant underwater scenes and exciting surfing action, making it a fun watch for kids.

IMDb
6.3
Rotten Tomatoes
Metacritic

Where To Watch: Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

Parental Feedback

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale, released in 2010, is an animated adventure film for kids that combines elements of fantasy and friendship. The movie is generally well-received by parents, who appreciate its colorful animation and positive messages about self-discovery and courage. While some parents note that the plot is predictable, the overall tone is light-hearted and engaging, making it a popular choice for young audiences.

Why Kids Should Watch Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

The movie is praised for its vibrant visuals and uplifting themes.

  • Promotes the importance of believing in oneself and embracing one's unique qualities.
  • Features a strong, determined protagonist who overcomes challenges.
  • Offers visually appealing underwater scenes that captivate young viewers.
  • Encourages teamwork and friendship as key elements of the story.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

Some parents express concerns about the movie's simplistic plot and character development.

  • Themes of self-doubt and peer pressure may require parental guidance.
  • Some scenes may be too intense for very young children, such as moments of peril.
  • The storyline may be confusing for children who are not familiar with mermaid lore.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages about self-confidence, engaging characters, and beautiful animation.

What Parents Should Know About Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? The main character, Merliah, demonstrates perseverance and kindness, encouraging children to be true to themselves.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? Scenes where Merliah faces self-doubt may require discussion to help children understand the importance of self-belief.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Characters who act selfishly or deceitfully face consequences, reinforcing the value of honesty and integrity.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? Teamwork is highlighted as Merliah and her friends work together to achieve their goals.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about embracing one's identity and the power of friendship, delivered through Merliah's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale is celebrated for its positive messages and engaging visuals, making it a delightful choice for young viewers. While the plot may be simple, the film's emphasis on self-discovery and friendship resonates well with children. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the themes of self-confidence and teamwork. For those seeking similar content, other Barbie movies or animated films with strong female leads may also be enjoyable.

Official Barbie in A Mermaid Tale Trailer

The Core Values Learned From Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

Barbie in A Mermaid Tale's most common core values include Being brave, Friendship, and Self-discovery. Kids witness Bravery as Merliah faces her fears and dives into the deep ocean to help her mother and the kingdom of Oceana. Along the way, strong friendships are formed. Merliah learns to Trust and rely on her new mermaid friends and her dolphin buddy Zuma. Through these Magical Adventures, children get to see how Merliah discovers more about herself, especially as she balances her life as both a human and a mermaid.

The movie shines in moments that highlight these values. One clear scene showing bravery is when Merliah decides to confront the evil Eris despite the danger. It's heartwarming to see her friends standing by her side, showing the importance of friendship. Self-discovery is woven throughout the story, particularly when Merliah learns about her past and her mother’s kingdom. This journey helps her understand who she really is and what she can do with her unique abilities.

Other Core Values Explored: Perseverance | Teamwork

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

Believing in Yourself: Merliah's journey teaches kids the importance of believing in oneself. Despite the initial shock of discovering her true identity, she embraces it and uses her newfound abilities to make a positive difference.

Embracing Differences: The movie highlights the value of embracing differences, as Merliah learns to accept and cherish her unique heritage of being both a human and a mermaid, ultimately connecting two worlds.

Finding Courage: Merliah displays incredible courage when she decides to challenge the villainous Eris and save Oceana, showing kids that bravery is about facing your fears head-on.

Supporting Your Friends: Throughout her adventure, Merliah learns the importance of leaning on her friends for support. Their teamwork and mutual trust play a crucial role in overcoming the hurdles they face together.

Valuing Inner Beauty: The story emphasizes that true beauty comes from within, as Merliah and her friends demonstrate kindness, bravery, and loyalty, qualities that outshine any physical appearance.

Other Lessons Learned: Perseverance | Teamwork

Why Kids Love Barbie in A Mermaid Tale

In the world of Barbie in A Mermaid Tale, kids dive into an amazing adventure underwater. They get to see cool transformations as Merliah, who is also a top-notch surfer, discovers her mermaid side and uses her awesome surfing skills in the deep ocean. Magical mentors and talking animals, like her dolphin friend Zuma, keep kids glued to the screen, making each turn and twist feel like a big adventure. What’s really exciting is the magical realm of Oceana, bursting with bright colors and fantastic creatures, unlike anything they’ve seen before. Kids love how Merliah takes on daring quests with her new mermaid pals, showing that being both a surfer and a mermaid opens up a world full of thrilling surprises and action!

Kids also can’t get enough of the catchy songs and big dance scenes that make them want to jump up and join in. The movie is full of high-energy moments where teamwork is at its best, encouraging a sense of unity and fun. Younger viewers especially like seeing Merliah standing out as a hero, ready to tackle any challenge that comes her way, with nail-biting scenes where she uses her newfound abilities to outsmart the bad guys. With sing-alongs that brighten any day and amazing moments of discovery, every scene is full of action and surprises. The world of Barbie in A Mermaid Tale blends magic and excitement perfectly, making it a must-watch that holds kids’ attention from start to finish!