blytheandferb-91172

I really wanted to like Barbie: It Takes Two. I really did. It had so many things going for it: a musical angle, a more story driven angle compared to Barbie Dreamhouse Adventures (which is better than this show), and a great attempt at diversity. However, the show falls flat because of how the girls are very flat and one dimensional who bend to the wills of the narrative. The show isn't without redeeming qualities, but it's more focused on humor over any sort of consistency. This episode, the final episode of the series, is the epitome of the show being so empty. There's no character development or any sort of character insight. The story is forced and goes through the motions and the humor tries way too hard to be funny. Literally every character that isn't Otto Phoenix or the Barbies is what saves this episode from being abysmal. Oh, and the song is good. Considering Barbie: Epic Road Trip skips what the ending of the show established, it was all for the better. Don't watch this show, and especially don't watch this episode.

When it comes to the character of Skipper, she's either just the complainer or someone who focuses too much on being cool, not really standing out that much. With the world of Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures, she became a more nuanced and three dimensional character. Over the years, she becomes someone who's more mindful of others and more willing to do the right thing. This movie shows how well she's developed. The best way to describe this movie is with how we get to see more sides to her characters. She's fun and snarky, but also more willing to look out for others. She takes the initiative to make the most of herself and do what she can to help people find their voice. It's really fun to see her blossom and grow into someone who can make people feel safe and secure. She makes mistakes sure, but focuses more on doing the right thing. This helps to make the movie work.

Barbie: Mermaid Power is a movie that just does everything a good movie should do. For starters, the music is top notch. The Math Club continues making top notch music and songs, just like in projects such as Barbie: Dolphin Magic, Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures, and Barbie: Princess Adventure. Matthew Tishler & Andrew Underberg help contribute greatly to the songs, giving it a modern flare. The characters are all top notch. Malibu Barbie is shown to be pretty mature and down to earth, knowing that doing the right thing is the bigger priority, and she only feels down on herself when she thinks she can't contribute. Her embracing of imagination without it clouding her judgment is a plus in my book. Brooklyn Barbie is also a good fit to the group dynamic, being more of the realist, but still trying to give things a chance. Seeing her loosen her standards on what's real is well done. She learns things quicker, yet still focuses more on doing the right thing. Barbie's sisters do well playing supporting roles, notably Skipper being able to connect to Finn and Chelsea connecting to Aquaryah. The returning characters, Isla and Marlo, also play their roles well, with Isla being supportive of what humans can do without sacrificing her mermaid side, and Marlo being surprisingly sympathetic despite how cruel she acts. The new characters in the movie are also great, whether it's Aquaryah being plucky and open minded towards humans, but still a bit stubborn, or her brother Finn being overprotective and stubborn but still caring. Talleigha makes for quite the intimidating antagonist, being deeply rooted in her species's racism against humans. Her smug behavior makes her entertaining. The messages are also great, which is about being able to show support for others and trying to find your inner power. I call this amazing.