Barbie
Barbie: (Comedy): 84 out of 100: The cultural phenomenon that is Barbie has finally reached the big screen. Who would have thought it would have taken this long for a movie to be made about this iconic doll that debuted in 1959? Good things come to those who wait would be the perfect proverb to describe this imaginative, entertaining creation that is suitable for all ages and genders.
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Helen Mirren narrates this appealing story of Barbieland which has a variety of Barbie and Ken dolls. The focus of the story is on one stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) who discovers one day that her perfect world has been turned upside down with things like waking up to morning breath, expired milk and flat feet. She comes across 'weird' Barbie (Kate McKinnon) who informs her that the protagonist Barbie's owner in the human world has messed her up. Weird Barbie should know as her owner did things like scribble on her face and split her legs. Meanwhile, perfect Ken (Ryan Gosling) is infatuated with Barbie and feels that his love for her is not reciprocated. When Barbie ventures into the human world to track down her owner to see if their personalities are intertwined, Ken joins her. Together, they explore the foreign land and encounter the CEO of Mattel (Will Ferrell) who just wants to make sure that the perfect Barbie doesn't alter the landscape of the Barbie production line. With the help of Barbie's owner (America Ferrera), it's a race against time to ensure that Barbieland doesn't succumb to male dominance and that Barbie herself can continue to live the life she has always craved.
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"Barbie" has a lot going for it. Some might say it's trivial and an excuse for Mattel to use its product placement in many scenes including censoring a Barbie's curse word, but it's actually a clever film. Greta Gerwig and her husband, Noah Baumbach, have delivered a script that contains many messages without over-preaching. Messages like females being empowered to make their own decisions without male assistance make the story all the more fun and appealing. An added bonus is the alluring comedic moments which might go over the heads of young children but certainly attract the attention and laughter of adults. There's one bit of narration referring to Margot Robbie playing Barbie that is an absolute gem. This is but one example of how children will miss the humour.
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Margot Robbie as the main Barbie is excellent. This is the role that she will forever be remembered for. Her innocence in Barbieland followed by her awakening in the human world brilliantly showcases the acting talents of Robbie. Gosling as the main Ken is a total hoot. Just the puzzled look on his face when things don't work out for him is worth the price of admission alone. Comedic actors like Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera and Will Ferrell demonstrate skill in their field of expertise.
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The technical aspects of the film add further appeal with the bright colours used in Barbieland plus the production design making it seem that the actors are on one giant, plastic film set. With Barbie being renowned for all her different costumes, the costume designs also bring to life all the Barbies featured. The soundtrack and accompanying choreographed dances in several scenes add to the fun of the whole movie.
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Don't worry if you don't have any Barbie dolls in your collection. This cannot be used as an excuse to not see the movie. Neither can you say that it's just for girls. If it's fun entertainment that you're after then this is the perfect movie for you. Go by yourself, see it with a partner, visit the cinema with your family or friends, just make sure you don't miss out on the cultural sensation of 2023!
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Starring Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera and Will Ferrell
(114 mins)
Parental advice: Suggestive references and language
Movie trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBk4NYhWNMM
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(Reviewed on Sunday 23rd July, 2023)
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