Barbie et le Lac des cygnes

The animation is not the standard we are used to compared to for example The Matrix part II. But my daughter of 7 does not care about this. It's her favorite movie of all time also due to the bright colours and the humor somehow girls like. As far as I am concerned the soundtrack is great.

For my daughter 10 out of 10. For me 5 out of 10.

The story and characterizations are packed with instant-recognition cliches for the kids, but that way the kids will appreciate the dancing because it's done in character. Though the dancing takes only a small fraction of the screen time, it's well animated (computerized from the dancers of the New York City Ballet) and the medium is used well as a way of eliminating distractions and directing attention.

Thanks to animation, the film shows us little children who dance like trained professionals. There seems to be a problem with the way they come down from jumps-- they seem to take as long as if they were bigger and had jumped higher-- but it's no big deal. I think the film could give a kid a helpful push toward appreciating ballet in particular and serious music in general. Sure the story is awful, but one movie can't have everything...

One of the most iconic barbie movies, it reminds me of my childhood i was always enchanted by this one especially the soundtrack, and frankly odile is an icon. A perfect fairy tale movie. I love the dance and the characters it is just so legendary.

Story - 8/10 It changes aspects of the original ballet but still kept the storyline,

Animation 6/10 Because the movie was made in 2003 i'll give it a pass

Characters 7/10 Likeable characters that originated from the ballet alongside with new characters.

Total = 21/30

I will admit at 17, I do like a vast majority of the Barbie movies, Nutcracker being my personal favourite. Swan Lake, while not perfect, is still very enchanting. There are some slow parts in the film, and I was annoyed by Maggie Wheeler's Odile. However, the computer animation in general is stunning, especially the dance sequences and any scene in the forest. Plus the opening credits were beautifully done. The music, adapted from Tchaikovsky's timeless ballet is just wonderful, a real gem of a score. And although the story is not always faithful to the original story, it still has some elements of it embedded, while putting its own enchanting take on it. The voice acting is highly commendable, a standout being Kelsey Grammar, who was terrific as the villainous Rothbart. The unicorn Lila is one of my favourite Barbie sidekicks along with Major Mint and Penelope. Oh, and Odette both in human form and swan form, is so beautiful. All in all, not perfect but very sweet and charming, and a delight for preschoolers. 8/10 Bethany Cox