Barbie: Star Light Adventure (2016) User Reviews

Barbie to the galaxy's rescue

[KiffyCub · 7/10 · 18 October 2016]

"Might contain spoilers"

Okay, so as an avid watcher - not exactly a fan, but I have watched around 95% of the Mattel Barbie movies - I went into this movie thinking that it was going to be different and innovative.

The concept and idea was good. The animation, voice acting, lighting, and color was vibrant and lovely. They've really upper their game over the past few years. I did miss the inclusion of Kelly Sheridan as Barbie since I've grown accustomed to her wonderful voice. But Erica was a stunning replacement.

The animation itself screamed sophistication. Yes, a few animals lacked pizazz and creativity, but nobody's perfect. The animal preserve scenes were gorgeous. The city too.

My qualms stem from the obvious - Barbie must always save the day, Barbie must always be a goody-two-shoes, Barbie somehow always ends up shrouded in magical sparkles. Yes, it's kinda glorious and sparkly and pretty, but it gets repetitive. I was pleasantly surprised by her lack of outfit change in the climax. I was silently hoping she stayed in her practical gear. And she did. The movie sent forth a vibe that was a cross between Star Trek and Stars Wars. I know, I know. Shame on me for comparing a piece of trash, kid's movie to STAR WARS, right? But the controls, the ship, the aliens on the planet . . . Well, they looked eerily familiar. Not to mention Barbie's resemblance to a certain female called Rey. Just saying.

There was also something a little off in the third act. I somehow felt as though something was missing - some huge chunk of the end. I guess I was expecting a villain trying to steal the stars or enslave the galaxy, or maybe even the king turning out to be the bad guy. Hints were dropped throughout the movie only to leave me dissatisfied with a lackluster conclusion to a promising tale.

Overall, if a little more planning had gone into the plot, the movie would have been a solid addition to the Barbie franchise. I do love the science fiction aspect, really. But the plot holes seemed to be akin to black holes.

Outer space Barbie

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 10 August 2017]

It is very easy to meet the 'Barbie' films with a lot of dislike and scorn and they are all very lowly rated here (despite some favourable reviews). It is understandable to take issue with the dialogue (a fair few are ropy in this regard), the predictability of the stories, the odd annoying character, the animation in a few (not all are well animated) and whether there is enough for adults to keep interest.

Despite not being the main target audience, to me they are mostly better than given credit for, easy to take them for what they are and don't deserve to be dismissed as baby-ish and for little girls only (a very narrow minded generalisation). Are they animation masterpieces? No. Are they among the best films ever made? Again no. Are they worth watching if taken for what they are? Absolutely for most of them. Most of them look good if not having the polish of studios specialising in computer animation (Pixar for one), often great music, good lessons and messages, a good deal of charm, have their heart in the right place and have entertaining characters well voiced (some had actors of considerable calibre like Tim Curry, Anjelica Huston, Martin Short and Kelsey Grammar, all of them terrific in their respective outings Curry especially) and a likable title character that particularly young girls can relate to.

There are better 'Barbie' films ('Nutcracker', 'Diamond Castle', 'Island Princess', 'Pink Shoes'), but 'Barbie: Star Light Adventure' to me is one of the better later 'Barbie' films and much better than the likes of 'A Fairy Secret', 'A Fashion Fairytale' and 'Princess and the Popstar'. Like what was said with 'Barbie and her Sisters in the Great Puppy Adventure', given a chance without prejudice, some are very likely to be surprised that due to the sugar, glitter and princess-y nature of a lot of the films in the series being toned down and instead going the spy/secret agent route (a fairly mature subject for a 'Barbie' film) that this film attracts a wider audience than most 'Barbie' films.

Not a great film strictly speaking, with the same faults with the previous three entries ('Rock 'N' Royals', 'Great Puppy Adventure' and 'Spy Squad'). The dialogue is simplistic and at times forced, even for somebody who doesn't expect a script in a 'Barbie' film to be good. The story is yet another that sees the viewer a step or two ahead of the film in how things are headed with even the messaging at times being a bit repetitive this time round. The characters do lack depth beyond neatly black and white and the ending does lack lustre and doesn't feel particularly well rounded off.

However, the animation is quite nice with the lack of the original/traditional look that in general appeals much more than the modern one not being a bother whatsoever. There are some beautiful bright colours (never excessive here), handsome and imaginative backgrounds and the character designs and movements have natural freedom rather than being stiff. It's not exactly imaginative and it's not as polished as Pixar, but when you have computer animation that makes you physically ill like the entire output of Video Brinquedo and Spark Plug Entertainment and the sequels to 'The Swan Princess' (the CGI ones) and 'Alpha and Omega' it's very clear which is better than them and this.

Music is upbeat and fitting, enough to put children and adults alike in a good mood. Nothing generic or too loud or intrusive here.

Regarding the story, it is predictable but it is full of energy, cuteness and charm with its heart in the right place the entire time (nothing at all mean spirited). It flies by and the action is very much eventful and rarely repetitive, plus it doesn't feel anywhere near as much of a Hodge Podge of tired ideas like a few of the recent 'Barbie' films have been. Throughout, 'Barbie: Star Light Adventure' is fun-loving and well-intended.

Characters, even with the lack of depth, are engaging and carry the film well. Barbie is likable and resourceful as ever, as well as smart, serving as a good role model for young girls especially. The chemistry between the characters is great too, as is, beyond the repetition and samey nature of the messages themselves (important messages but have been covered many times previously in the series) the positive messaging that was delivered with the right amount of making-its-point and subtlety.

Voice acting is pretty good and done with a lot of spirit. One may miss Kelly Sheridan, but the new voice actress is a worthy replacement.

In summation, good fun. 7/10 Bethany Cox

TypicaL Barbie

[machinespacebeing · 7/10 · 9 July 2022]

Its a Barbie movie, so the usual. The pacing was VERY off...40 minutes in and they're just getting to the plot of the movie. And the movie is only 1 hour 20 minutes. Should be named "Barbie: Various Adventures" as so many unnecessary things before the actual adventure. The ending were she gets shrouded in sparkles and a dress was another cliché for Barbie but what can I say? Its a kids movie with nice colors and a...message.

Love this movie

[owlmoonsun · 3 October 2016]

Glad to see such an innovative new addition to the Barbie films. I am an adult that appreciates the positivity and good production value of these films. My kids love each installment with rare exception. There's always quality in voice acting, CGI and some funny small details signaling that they do intact "try" and succeed. They definitely aren't just for children and a child's attention deficits shouldn't correlate with the quality of the movie per a previous reviewer. I think that this film definitely deserves a ten out of ten and I look forward to seeing future innovative Barbie installments. They can't make enough Barbie movies! (: In fact, if Mattel is reading this please make more.

Not even trying

[ninjathesecond · 1/10 · 9 September 2016]

Looks like mattel is not even bothering to put even the smallest amount of effort into these movies.

Just knock them out one at a time and as long as they make money, that's all they care about.

This has got to be the worst of the worst. Clichéd tedious boring, the kids talked amongst themselves, got their toys out, and eventually they had all wandered out of the room, and this is only ten minutes into the movie.

I would advise all parents, do not buy this movie, you are only rewarding bad workmanship and scheming tricksters. Please don't put your hard earned money into the pockets of uncaring con-artists who are playing the same scam again and again: Knock out any old rubbish and as long as it makes more than 10 dollars, they have covered their costs, and the rest is all profit. Please learn your lesson and move on. Do not be ripped off for the umpteenth time. Buy something nice for your children, or put the money into a collection can for charity. By buying this you are giving them the green light to make further garbage.

Very disappointing...

[sporeviews · 3/10 · 21 February 2018]

When I was looking at the trailer, I was expecting this movie to be AMAZING; and I mean amazing songs, animation that looks like it has FINALLY caught up with other animated films, and GREAT character chemistry.

But unfortunately, the movie didn't ANY of my excited anticipation. The one song that I THOUGHT I would love ended up sounding mediocre at best, especially when it BARELY got any attention in the narrative.

The animation is a mixed bag for me, personally. The backgrounds, scenery and atmosphere all look GREAT, but at times the colours look off, and don't seem to blend well. The character designs themselves sometimes move too fast, and end up looking JARRING, because they don't have any sense of motion blur, especially when they don't seem to be very well integrated with the backgrounds. The settings themselves either look underwhelming, or barley got ANY screen time to let the viewer sink in the moment, or atmosphere.

The characters themselves are okay, but don't leave a very strong impression. And the chemistry you WOULD expect, just isn't there. They aren't TERRIBLE, but they aren't full of charm, wit or memorability either. And that's all I really have to say on the characters.

Overall, I was disappointed. I THOUGHT this would have been a pleasant, charming film, and while there are SOME bits and pieces of pleasantness, you never really FEEL the sentiment that the movie wants to deliver to you. Everything about the film could have been better; The animation could have been better, the songs could have been better, the message of teamwork could have been better with some better character chemistry, and even the story could have gained more SUBSTANCE to it. Even as a DIRECT TO DVD film, I felt like it could have had more substance. That's all I'm asking for.

Gorgeous

[GlassDreams · 10/10 · 5 May 2020]

I can't believe this has such a low rating! World is absolutely stunning and movie by itself is incredible. Coming from a 20 year old that decided to watch all Barbie movies while in quarantine 😂 But 10/10 would recommend

Worst Barbie movie to date

[dianamarinelli · 1/10 · 26 January 2021]

I really wanted to like this movie especially since it is space themed but my god I was wrong. The character name was barbie??? Serisouly?? What was her power? And no villain which brought down the story.

Brilliant

[aavon-75356 · 10/10 · 14 September 2016]

Brilliant Barbie Movie as always.

Good plot (obviously for adults can guess the plot). Good message about following your heart and you don't need to be perfect but apologise if done something wrong even if for the right reasons.

Keep going.

The good thing about barbie movies is the strong female roles. Which is great for my girls.

Also good to see Barbie have a parent when she is playing "herself".

I like the Barbie movies as shows there is more to being a princess. You don't need a prince to save you and to remember to be yourself. Even when it is difficult and everyone is telling you not to.

Great!

[AnnaPagrati · 9/10 · 23 August 2021]

This Barbie film was surprisingly reaaally good! I wasn't expecting to like it that much, considering I am a huge fan of the order Barbie movies. But some of the more recent ones are actually really interesting!

A fun ride

[aloonwolf · 9/10 · 25 February 2017]

This film is visually stunning, has entertaining characters, good songs and some nice humour. The story is a little bland and confusing; it starts with a fully formed world quite different to our own with no clear explanation as to what's going on. But maybe that's for the viewer to figure out or manufacture for themselves from their imagination. And of course if the viewer wants more story they can buy the toys and create their own adventures with these characters. But every moment of the film is hugely entertaining, and when it seemed the story was reaching a false ending halfway through the film, only to continue with more story, I was surprised to find that was the real ending, and I had already been watching the film for over an hour! Great fun, I wanted more...

Fantastic, should be rated far higher

[hadreabatt · 10/10 · 16 April 2023]

As an adult who has no children who watches Barbie movies for the same reason my mother watches Hallmark movies (predictable, 'safe' stories, no surprise horror/gore/politics thrown in, I watch cartoons because I have facial blindness and can't recognize real people enough to follow anything) I was expecting the same old, same old in this title.

First and foremost, Barbie's home hairstyle is a neat take on the 'shaved side of her head' without actually doing that, just a tight side braid. The characters are interesting and easy to understand, although the one male in the team seems to just be there for comedic relief, which is sad.

This movie, compared to others in the line, offers more interesting ideas and theories, and more unique characters. The gravity twins whose faces glow when they're embarrassed, the translucent arms, the king who seems like he's going to be the antagonist but is more of a "trying in the wrong way" sort who has to learn his lesson, yet maintains his attitude until the end, even after admitting he was wrong, the champion hoverboarder who subtly learns she may be the best hoverboarder, but she isn't exactly the leader type, and Barbie herself trying to overcome her flaws on another planet, having to admit when she is wrong, and take the punishment it requires. It's a bit moot when she gets back onto the team and continues to follow her heart, but it's still more than I'm used to seeing from these sort of films.

Visually GORGEOUS. Great songs of course, well animated, only a couple stiff movements in distance shots. The character development for Barbie, the King, and Sal-Lee had to be done quickly and is handled surprisingly well. I especially like at the end when she is given the title of Princess, it isn't because she was secretly a princess and hidden away on her planet to keep her safe until she was needed, nor do her magical birth powers have some big amazing reason to be there or are tightly woven into the story's integral plot, they just are and are handy to have. Her unique abilities are noted but not made a big deal of, and this is by far one of the best entries I've seen in the series. The fact they have Lindsay Sterling doing one of the songs as well is pretty cool. Yes it's the best song in the soundtrack, of course it is.

I'm not sure how much kids would like this though, honestly, they may get a bit bored because it isn't zany adventures and big stupid villainous sidekicks doing slapstick, but if you're looking for a good Barbie flick and like outer space themes, this one is surprisingly good and diverges a bit from the norm, while still maintaining the idea of Barbie and making sure there are enough characters and outfits to sell toys, which is the main point.