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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To not let me kids see the barbie movie

119 replies

KingsHeath53 · 23/07/2023 10:33

My sons, 6 and 7, are desperate to see the barbie movie. I told them it’s for grown ups and they were gutted.

I saw it last night and actually didn’t think it was very inappropriate. Few references to adult themes but nothing worse than in a lot of family shows like the Simpsons. That said I think maybe the middle section about feminist theory and cultural representation might go over their heads 🙃

Though as young men maybe it would be good exposure?

Anyway I’m still saying no unless mumsnet thinks I’m being mean…

YABU - 6 and 7 year old kids can see the Barbie movie

YANBU - they’re too young

OP posts:
Tiredalwaystired · 23/07/2023 11:08

Wait til it’s on Netflix. Then paying adults won’t have to put up with your bored kids.

Jongleterre · 23/07/2023 11:10

Why would you want your children watching utter dross?

Twoscotcheggsandajarofmarmite · 23/07/2023 11:15

I went yesterday evening and there were so many bored children running in the aisles and in front of the screen.
The message will go right over their heads, and the bits they would like are only about ten minutes of the whole thing. Save your money.

Moonsun88 · 23/07/2023 11:17

Took my 10 year, she didn't understand some of the innuendos but she did understand a lot of it. Wasn't inappropriate for her but not sure a 6-7 year old would enjoy it at all. They may find it boring.

LlynTegid · 23/07/2023 11:19

I don't think you are being mean, not seen the film, other comments suggest you are making a sensible decision.

Mayhem3 · 23/07/2023 11:20

I think they might find it a bit boring if it’s aimed for older audiences but if my kids were desperate to go and I had the money I would definitely take them.

I watched lots of things that were aimed for older audiences.

My 7 y/o niece is obsessed with miss congeniality which is she 13 because it has a gun in it but I personally don’t think it’s inappropriate.

FantasticallyFabulous · 23/07/2023 11:21

Surely you know your kids? If they would be bored or not. I think most young kids would not find the themes of any interest at this age.

fitzwilliamdarcy · 23/07/2023 11:23

I went to see it and there were so so so many 3-6 year olds bored out of their minds - fidgeting, shouting, singing, running about, some were even doing cartwheel competitions at one point. It was really bloody annoying as it wasn’t cheap.

It’s really not for young kids.

GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 23/07/2023 11:24

I think they’d probably be bored being so young.

Was debating whether to bring my 9 yo when I take my teenager as he might be bored.

UnfortunateTypo · 23/07/2023 11:30

Honestly they will be bored senseless, it’s a funny film for adults who’d get all the jokes but little ones really won’t get it. There’s about 4 minutes of singing/dancing they might like. Save yourself the money and wait till it’s on for free.

AHelpfulHand · 23/07/2023 11:30

I’ve never seen kids running about in the cinema, messing on the aisles etc 🤨

I would not be impressed at all if I’d paid to see a film and parents were allowing their kids to do this.

why don’t they leave if the kids aren’t enjoying it?

SaturdayGiraffe · 23/07/2023 11:30

They’re your children and you can limit what they view as you see fit.

FreeRider · 23/07/2023 11:31

I've seen it and I wouldn't take any child under 12 to it, unless they've already got a good handle on feminism and the patriarchy...otherwise, like others have posted, they will be bored stiff.

Brk · 23/07/2023 11:33

Show them something age appropriate. They only want to see it because of the amount of money the promoters are spending on advertising.

There’s a few boys in my son’s class who have always been allowed to watch anything they like, no matter the official rating. They were all sweet lads at age 4-6 but have turned into total assholes by age 10. The stuff children watch literally reshapes their brains…

Sherrystrull · 23/07/2023 11:38

It's such a shame a film that will clearly appeal to young children has been pitched at an older audience.

fitzwilliamdarcy · 23/07/2023 11:45

Sherrystrull · 23/07/2023 11:38

It's such a shame a film that will clearly appeal to young children has been pitched at an older audience.

I don’t agree. There are dozens of Barbie movies for kids. I think it’s nice to have one aimed at nostalgic millennial adults!

Original poster
KingsHeath53 · 23/07/2023 11:46

Brk · 23/07/2023 11:33

Show them something age appropriate. They only want to see it because of the amount of money the promoters are spending on advertising.

There’s a few boys in my son’s class who have always been allowed to watch anything they like, no matter the official rating. They were all sweet lads at age 4-6 but have turned into total assholes by age 10. The stuff children watch literally reshapes their brains…

I agree with that around violence and stuff. But something that may be boring because of monologues around capitalism and feminism I can’t see the harm.

I was kind of wondering if anyone here would be like ‘i went to see it with my 7 year old and we had a FASCINATING discussion on the way home…’

Sounds like not so much 😂

OP posts:
Sherrystrull · 23/07/2023 11:46

I think it's possible to make a film that appeals to both children and adults. The super Mario film achieved it.

Pinkflamingopants · 23/07/2023 11:48

It’s not inappropriate for young kids, it would just be boring for them. The jokes and themes are for an older audience.

electriclight · 23/07/2023 11:49

There was a party of six girls next to us - they looked about 10 and they didn't enjoy it. I could hear the mum apologising to them at the end because 'it wasn't what we expected was it.' I think the 12 cert if probably accurate.

KajsaKavat · 23/07/2023 11:49

When j went there were so many very young kids. I think it’s done in a way so it’s not inappropriate, so much worse on tv every day.
I would let them watch it. My 12 year old girl got bored though.

fitzwilliamdarcy · 23/07/2023 11:52

I haven’t seen Super Mario to be fair but I can’t imagine many adults who weren’t parents went to see it.

I think there’s a difference between a kids film that throws in some jokes to make it not intolerable for the parents who are there, and a film that is aimed at teenagers/adults rather than parents accompanying young kids. I’m glad this Barbie move is the latter.

listsandbudgets · 23/07/2023 11:53

I went with DD on Friday afternoon. The cinema was packed most entirely with senior school aged girls and the odd perplexed looking boyfriend!! I reckon O was the oldest by about 15 to 20 years!!

I really enjoyed it.. though ai.admot.Od not been lookingforward to.it.There was nothing inappropriate as such but I think.the themes would go.right over your DCs head at their.age. I dont think there would be anything wrong with taking them.but cam I suggest you take.them to.see Elemental instead which is good.fun and probably a bit more accessible to.them

listsandbudgets · 23/07/2023 11:54

^ sorry awful typing dog sitting on my lap " helping"

listsandbudgets · 23/07/2023 11:59

@KingsHeath53 I think from your name you probably live not very far from me..