Barbie and the Secret Door

This latest addition to the Barbie CGI-animated film series incorporates all of the ingredients of fluffy girltainment: namely, cute outfits, magical creatures, and unicorns. Barbie stars as Princess Alexa, whose crippling shyness gets in the way of her royal dance duties for kicking off a special ball. With the help of a certain book from her grandmother (for some reason, everyone in Alexa's family has a British accent but her), and a magical door, Alexa discovers a candy-colored world where she meets new friends: feisty fairy Nori and clumsy mermaid Romy (who is not used to having human legs). Naturally, only Alexa can help her pals overcome the local villain—obnoxious, purple-haired, pint-sized ruler Malucia—but will her introversion stand in the way? Although predictable, this music-filled fairy tale is sure to be popular. Bonus features include music videos, outtakes, and a two-part episode from Barbie: Life in the Dreamhouse. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)