Barbie as Rapunzel (2002) Reviews

• Suprisingly well-done Barbie fluff...

  dwpollar2002-10-19

  1st watched 10/19/2002 - 6 out of 10(Dir-Owen Hurley): Surprisingly well-done Barbie fluff. What impressed me the most about this made-for-video computer animated movie was the obvious time and attention that was put into the story, animation, and character development despite the usual bland Barbie stuff created by Mattel. The animation isn't intended to make you forget that it's animation because we're watching a `doll' in action, not a person(and this is okay). They basically took the Rapunzel character and crafted an entirely different movie than what's in the original book. There is a formidable enemy(voice played by Anjelica Huston), and endearing characters who are Rapunzel's friends(a talking rabbit and a young dragon), as well as a few others who all are done well. There are two very good songs that accompany the movie(although it doesn't try to be a musical), and the usual fairy-tale ending that will please young and those who are young at heart. The bottom line here is that this was a very big surprise to me. I enjoyed this movie from beginning to end, which I believe even those who don't carry the dolls around with us will enjoy this right alongside those younger-folk who do still meddle with them.

• Engaging, tasteful story encourages creativity, tops Disney

  DrGrood2002-12-20

  The worst thing about this video is its cover, which looks stiff, commercial and artificial. What's inside, however, is a very well done original take on a little-dramatized but familiar fairy tale that entertains without overdoing or offending and has an extremely positive subtext. You can tell it's got its heart in the right place, when at the very beginning in an introductory sequence Barbie, at an easel, encourages her little sister to paint what she wants and express herself rather than telling her what to do. Rapunzel, not immature in this version of the story, though sheltered, also paints when she can to pass the time between chores, and unlike Disney's Little Mermaid, doesn't feel the need to forego developing her talent and creativity to chase handsome princes. She discovers and explores her world while always trying, though not usually successfully, to keep peace with her unreasonably demanding and jealous stepmother, whose voice is effectively performed by Angelica Huston, and with feuding royalty in two neighboring kingdoms. The impossible-to-dramatize plot elements of the original fairy tale have been replaced by effective new characters and story ideas, which keep the presentation from being all decoration without substance, and though Rapunzel's baby dragon friend may be somewhat distractingly big and purple, her own sub-plot does work into the main story well and add interest when we are introduced to her grown up dragon father, the guardian of the tower. Choices made in good taste are all over this DVD, which is refreshingly free of Disney-style smartass humor and sell-out scripting. The original music is nice and very underplayed--Barbie could easily have been made to burst into song at any time here, but wisely the producers just let the perfectly decent story stand on its own instead of trying to make it into a Broadway musical. The whole package here is pretty, original, pleasantly presented, and encourages self-expression without pandering or being heavy handed about its message at all. From start to finish it is refreshing, interesting and positive. Only the packaging is corny, but even the doll it cross-promotes is as pleasant-looking as the movie. Highly recommended for the little girl in the family.

• Surprisingly good

  reedcom2008-07-23

  I am in my 30s and am a father of 3 little girls so I have to watch movies like this. I was surprised that this movie was quite good, and the best of the Barbie movies (most of which are likewise good!). This is no Care Bears or My Little Ponies movie. I can actually watch this movie with my kids and not be bored or repulsed. It has an interesting plot, good character development, and good morals, and even a little exciting. This is not Pixar stuff, but for a straight-to-video release I am pleased that they took some pride in their work and made a good product with what little budget they probably had.

• Better than Barbie in the Nutcracker.

  roxy_callme2004-04-12

  I am a big Barbie fan so I'm starting my Barbie movie collection.The first one,featuring the Nutcracker was a bit bland in the dialogue but, Rapunzel surprised me a lot.Kelly Sheridan reprises her voice role as Barbie(WARNING READERS,spoilers ahead)playing Rapunzel, an artist who is locked inside a tower by the evil Gothel.In there,she uses a magic paintbrush to go outside with the help of Penelope the dragon and Hobie the rabbit.Well,that's enough I can tell about the plot. The message I caught in the story to me was that if you live a lie for too long, you will be trapped forever. That's what happened to Gothel at the end for abusing too much of her power,for kidnapping Rapunzel and blaming it on Stefan's kingdom to cause a war. The animation in the movie is very pretty with the painting opening title. I also liked the scene of Rapunzel painting herself on some gowns for the ball with the vocalizing music score.The two dragons in Rapunzel were the coolest characters:Penelope(voice of Cree Summer)is really cute and adorable, with her funny lines,she steals the show. However the father dragon Hugo(voiced by David Kaye from X-men:Evolution)resembles the other dragons I saw in movies and video games like:Shrek,Dragonheart,and the Spyro games.The happy ending was well anticipated.Anjelica Huston did an excellent portrayal of the witch,very much like her other character she played in Ever After:A Cinderella Story(1998). Anyway,I enjoyed the DVD movie with my sister.We also bought the toy line from Rapunzel for the collection.Next time it's Barbie in Swan Lake and The Princess and the Pauper to be released.

• best movie ever

  memorellah2017-07-23

  this is the best movie in the world. Penelope was my favorite character by far, she's so sweet and nice and kind and cool and purple and pretty and dragon-y. wow and that bunny was so funny. i had such a good time watching this movie with my friend it was really really good. it was such nice quality for such an old movie. and oh my god that plot twist at the end!!!!!! ???? i'm dead, was not expecting that AT ALL. 10/10 best movie ever made.