Barbie - A Movie Review

Barbie can be anything she wants. That goes for Ken, too.

Barbie is a 2023 film. Happy with her life in Barbie Land with all her friends, Barbie suffers a crisis. Is there more to the world? Traveling out of Barbie Land with Ken, their time in the real world leads the pair to question their roles and existence.

Sitting in a sold-out theater with several audience members dressed in pink, Barbie is a whimsical and thought-provoking take on the iconic doll. Incorporating influential messages about gender roles that we all need, however, the film occupies too many of these themes, forgetting its main storyline.

Margot Robbie shines as Barbie, a popular doll that has several different occupations and has become a role model. Undergoing an existential crisis, Robbie proves that she is a superb actress. She portrays Barbie as a multi-dimensional character, grappling with her identity. One of my favorite scenes involved Barbie quietly observing people when she is in the real world.

Ryan Gosling is a sensation as Ken! He made this part his own. He was hilarious stealing every scene he was in. Gosling and Robbie truly become their roles, sharing memorable scenes.

Starring a noteworthy stellar cast of actors, the cast elevates Barbie to new heights. Kate McKinnon is hilarious as Weird Barbie. That part was meant for her. Several other actors play an assortment of Barbie and Ken in Barbie Land. Some credits include Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Alexandra Shipp, and Kingsley Ben-Adir. Oh yes, and Micheal Cera as Allen.

The main storyline is that Barbie is having a crisis and she travels to the real world to find her owners. Gloria and Sasha’s (America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt) roles deserved expansion. These connections would have made a stronger emphasis and added more depth to the narrative making it more relatable.

Instead, more screen time is given to the Mattel corporation. As much as I love Will Ferrell, his role should have been a short cameo. Scenes involving the Mattell corporations felt like SNL sketches.

Greta Gerwig is an extraordinary director constructing a daring approach to Barbie. She infuses a trademark wit, capturing the essence of the Barbie world. It presents Barbie not merely as a fashion icon but as a symbol of strength and resilience.

Gerwig uncovers the essence of Barbie's iconic, ever-changing identity, cleverly blending the character's history with a modern perspective that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Did you know that production ran out of the pink paint used for Barbie Land? Gerwig infuses the film with her trademark wit and visual flair, bringing the plastic world of Barbie to life in an entirely unexpected way.

Gerwig makes a compelling statement about women's empowerment. Women’s roles have changed substantially. Ferrera makes a powerful speech about the definition of women and how their roles have changed remarkably and also how they are unfair. Even though it’s a movie, that monologue deserves a standing ovation.

Trying to make a statement about the Ken’s seeking their identity, this component consumes the movie. The film should have channeled more of Barbie’s world and the real world. The Ken’s takeover of Barbie Land disconnects viewers from the fun part of the story.

I had the best time laughing with the audience. Watching movies post-pandemic has made me appreciate audience reactions all the more.

Barbie is a film for all audiences, except it contains innuendoes that are not acceptable for young children. Everyone will have a different opinion about it, but it’s a fun time for all. Go see Barbie with your friends.