• The New York Times, Monday, July 16, 2007 10:49 AM

MGA Entertainment's overtly sexy Bratz dolls will decipher complicated algebra problems with the same gusto they apply tp lip gloss when "Bratz: The Movie" is released Aug. 3. Also, they volunteer to do household chores and chirp lines like, "My mom is my hero."

Despite sales of more than 150 million since their introduction in 2001, negative public perception has prevented the Bratz from blossoming into a full-scale entertainment phenomenon. Parents and child advocacy groups have long argued that the dolls--with their fishnet stockings, pouty lips and micro-mini skirts--encourage preadolescent sexuality.

The four characters--Chloe, Jade, Sasha and Yasmine--arrive on the first day of high school to find a war zone of various cliques ruled by Meredith, the wicked student body president. The Bratz might bare their midriffs, cake their faces in makeup and worship stiletto boots, but they know wrong from right: They decide to teach the school a lesson in diversity by winning a talent show.

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