Blogcritics The critical lens on today's culture & entertainment
For years, Barbie has been providing fun for little girls. Barbie: The Princess and the Popstar is a worthy addition to the Barbie legacy. in that respect.
The plot is, of course, loosely based on Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper and uses the popular plot device of having characters switch places and live each others’ lives for a day.
In the movie, Barbie plays Tori, a modern-day Princess who loves mischief and just wants to have fun instead of having to be a proper princess all the time. 
Barbie’s friend Nikki stars as Keira, a popstar who wonders what it would be like to be a princess and never have to worry about preparing for a big show, meeting payroll for her staff, and being on tour.
When the two meet, Keira’s magic microphone and Tori’s magic hairbrush allow them to trade places. Luckily, Tori is a huge fan of Keira’s and Keira is able to fool everyone except Tori’s little sisters, who agree to keep the secret. Much magical adventure ensues as the girls learn that being a princess or a popstar is not as easy as they thought. There’s also a handsome former star of a boy band who makes an amusing villain for the piece.
While the plot is predictable, it is enjoyable and, most importantly, it provides the opportunity for lots of singing and dancing, as well as that most important element for everything Barbie, fashion. The clothes for both the princess and the popstar are gorgeous and will have every young girl daydreaming about wearing them.
With gorgeous animation, catchy songs, sleek production, and a happy ending, of course, this latest Barbie DVD will delight tween girls especially. It is perfect for children aged 8 to 10 but will appeal to Barbie lovers of all ages.
There are a handful of special features on the DVD, including a couple of music videos and Barbie’s Dream House and O]Polly Pocket episodes. All of it, of course, like the movie itself, is blatant advertisement for the dolls, but that does not stop it from being fun, glittery, harmless entertainment.
