Is the Barbie movie appropriate for younger kids?

(CMR) With the ‘Barbie' movie having a PG-13 rating, the question of whether or not it is appropriate for younger children has been raised. Why is a  movie marketed to young children through lines of Barbie dolls in stores rated PG-13?

How do you tell your young girls who love Barbie dolls that they cant see the movie until they are older but they can play with the dolls?

 Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents Magazine writer, took her eight-year-old to see the movie and said she had no problems with her daughter seeing the movie.

However, she pointed out that taking a younger child to see Barbie is a personal decision. She thinks while there are sexual innuendos, a young child is likely not to pay attention to these. However, it's for the parent to know if they are ready to answer any questions their child may have.

“The movie received its PG-13 rating because of “suggestive references” and “brief language.”  Some parents may not be ready or comfortable to discuss the more advanced plot lines, while others may simply just know if their child is or is not ready to be introduced to mature topics,” she explained.

“It’s inevitable that Barbie may bring up questions about romantic relationships, feminism, and even death (there’s a scene where Barbie brings a dance party to a screeching halt by asking, “Do you ever think about dying”?). I’m not worried. In fact, I’m happy to use the movie as a jumping-off point to answer questions, broach sensitive subjects and start a healthy dialogue,” West-Resenthal wrote.

West-Resenthal said it was worth noting that the movie promotes inclusivity with a diverse group of Barbies and Kens with a range of body sizes, disabilities, and racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Barbie focuses on gender roles and equality, what it means to be a woman, finding happiness and fulfillment, and even touches on death as Barbie has a bit of an existential crisis, she further explained.

“Yes, there is some “strong” language used but the one word that would really require some “earmuffs” is actually bleeped out. There is no other profanity. There is some beer drinking in some scenes as well. While these topics are broached with sensitivity, care, and humor, they are definitely geared toward the older audiences (hello Gen X) watching for the nostalgia of it all,” West-Resenthal stated.