In a cinematic world often dominated by gritty action movies and complex time-bending dramas, Barbie is a cotton candy-colored breath of fresh air, serving up a delightful dose of sweet entertainment that is both inoffensive and visually captivating.
The plot revolves around a clever and engaging adventure that takes the audience on a whirlwind journey through Barbie's world, filled with colorful and imaginative settings. As much as Greta Gerwig (who also directs) and Noah Baumbach’s story is about Margo Robbie’s Barbie character, it is also about her neglected sidekick, Ken (Ryan Gosling).
While President Barbie, Doctor Barbie, Mermaid Barbie, and Lawyer Barbie are busy changing young girls’ perceptions of the world, all the disposable Kens (Simu Liu, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and John Cena) have much less purpose in their lives as they fawn for the attention of the Barbies and practice “beach.”
Meanwhile, noticing that her perfectly-formed high heel feet have suddenly gone flat, her thighs are marked with cellulite, and thoughts of death have begun to permeate her idle moments, Barbie seeks the wisdom of the exiled Weird Barbie, played to perfection by a surprisingly subdued Kate McKinnon. You know, weird Barbie: that one Barbie doll that some kids draw on with markers, dress in torn and tattered clothes, butcher her hair into strange styles, and leave her permanently positioned in straddle splits.
Weird Barbie informs stereotypical Barbie (Robbie) that some kind of strange wormhole has opened up between Barbieland and the real world, so she must go to the real world and seek out the troubled young girl who is playing with her doll in order to understand the recent changes she is experiencing. After setting out in her pink corvette, she discovers that Ken has unknowingly stowed away in the back seat.
Upon their arrival in the real world, Barbie and Ken soon discover some harsh realities about real life: receiving catcalls and being objectified are an inevitability; patriarchy is real; and rather then being viewed as a beloved icon of progressivism, Barbie is actually a deterrent to female cultural advancement.
Though it takes on many heady topics such as feminism, consumerism, patriarchy, fascism, and existentialism, at its core, Barbie is a celebration of innocence and optimism, providing a much-needed reminder that goodness and kindness can prevail in a world sometimes overshadowed by cynicism.
Gerwig and Baumbach masterfully showcase the Barbie character as a role model for young viewers, portraying her as intelligent, capable, and fiercely independent. Her innocence and purity make it a perfect family film. Though it might not appeal as much to younger audiences as it does to the young-at-heart, Barbie is fun and goofy with lighthearted humor that is peppered with clever puns and witty one-liners that will keep both kids and adults chuckling throughout.
Though a tad too long in its middle section, Barbie is an endearing and delightful cinematic experience that tickles the imagination and warms the heart. Just ignore all the hooey about it being a feminist anti-men movie or some kind of pro-China propaganda piece. It gracefully combines the lightness of cotton candy entertainment with the cleverness of a well-crafted plot, making it a standout in its genre. Plus, it’s just a lot of fun to watch.
The movie is a testament to the enduring appeal of Barbie as an iconic figure who continues to inspire generations of young girls to embrace their individuality and live fearlessly. So, grab your popcorn, buckle up for an innocent and heartwarming adventure, and let Barbie charm you with her timeless magic.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 104 mins
Director: Greta Gerwig
Writer: Greta Gerwig; Noah Baumbach
Cast: Margot Robbie; Ryan Gosling; Issa Rae
Genre: Comedy | Adventure
Tagline: She's Everything. He's Just Ken.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Humans have only one ending. Ideas live for ever."
Theatrical Distributor: Warner Bros.
Official Site: https://www.barbie-themovie.com/
Release Date: July 21, 2023
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.
