Barbie in a Mermaid Tale

Malibu Barbie meets The Little Mermaid in this computer-animated fable that begins with Merliah (voiced by Kelly Sheridan) surfing with friends Fallon and Hadley when she has a rather bizarre experience—namely, her hair sports new pink streaks, she can breathe underwater, and she engages in a conversation with a sparkly dolphin named Zuma. Once back on land, 16-year-old Merliah returns to the pink-and-teal dream house she shares with her surfer-dude grandfather, who explains that Merliah's mother, Calissa (Nicole Oliver), was a mermaid and the queen of Oceana. Merliah eventually learns that only she can defeat the evil Eris (who stole her mother's throne) and save Calissa's kingdom, and she follows Zuma to Oceana, where she shops at Seaphora and Bloomingtail's and befriends boutique salesgirls Kayla and Xylie and their pet seal, Snouts. With their help, Merliah will evade giant jellyfish, charm a magical dream-fish, free her imprisoned mother, and save the underwater city, all while learning to accept her dual nature. The basic plot is as old as the hills, although young Barbie fans won't mind, especially those who like to shop. DVD extras include faux bloopers, a profile of professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore, and a music video for “Queen of the Waves.” A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (K. Fennessy)