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Movie Review: Barbie

Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie': A Mesmerizing Cinematic Masterpiece of Empowerment and Fantasy

By FilmeniaPublished 10 months ago β€’ 5 min read
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πŸŽ₯ Barbie (2023)

πŸ“Œ FANTASY COMEDY FILM

πŸ“Œ 7.6/10 IMDB

πŸ“Œ 8.3/10 GOOGLE

πŸ“Œ ENGLISH

The film "Barbie," directed by Greta Gerwig, stands out as a remarkable feat of technical and tonal mastery. A spectacular visual display that succeeds at exuberant escape while fervently inspiring action. "Barbie" is brimming with intricate details and requires careful examination to fully appreciate each aspect, from the minute details of the accessories to the brilliant costume design, expertly curated by the renowned Jacqueline Durran, a two-time Oscar winner. The production design, which Sarah Greenwood, a six-time Oscar nominee, expertly created, charms with its never-ending ingenuity and vivid hues, perfectly suited for the ever-evolving symbol. Notably, three-time Oscar nominee and director of photography Rodrigo Prieto gives the entire extravaganza a beautiful sheen. But the real wonder is how these recognizable statues have been brought to life by Gerwig and her team, giving them a contagious energy and a wry wink to the world in which they exist.

Through a series of well-placed moments that are freely scattered throughout, "Barbie" manages to elicit roaring laughter amid the joyous antics. The humor stems from Barbieland's isolation from the outside world, its vibrantly pink world, and the resulting "fish out of water" situations as the outside world gradually encroaches. Despite the film's inspired brilliance, the anticipation complex may give viewers the impression that the most pleasurable parts have already been revealed thanks to clever marketing. It may sound familiar to hear references to "2001: A Space Odyssey" and Ken's self-pitying power song from the 1980s. Such is the overwhelming sense of anticipation that surrounds this amazing piece of filmmaking.

The central conflict of Barbie, as depicted by the stunning Margot Robbie, is the basis of the film. Robbie is the epitome of immaculate casting as Barbie; it is impossible to imagine anyone else playing the part. She effortlessly reflects the character's cheerfulness and is the ideal fit for the heightened, candy-coated world she lives in with her golden hair and azure eyes. Robbie also expertly handles the more complicated vocabulary in the movie, which was written by Gerwig and her collaborator, the renowned director Noah Baumbach. Robbie masters the perfect fusion of intensity and tone, displaying an unmatched performance that satisfies the soul with everything from brilliant grins to lone tears and all in between.

However, amidst the genius, Ryan Gosling stands out as an all-powerful scene-stealer, savoring Ken's lovable fragility. As he fervently takes the mantle of what he believes to be the pinnacle of manhood, Gosling changes from Barbie's lovable spouse to a swaggering, macho doofus. The audience will also enjoy how particular Los Angeles locations served as inspiration for his portrayal. Gosling skillfully embraces the honesty of his square-jawed role while also drawing on his musical theatrical background from "All New Mickey Mouse Club," boosting the appeal of the comedy.

Several stars stand out among the large cast of the movie, where, with a few exceptions, all the feminine characters are transformed into Barbies and the male characters into Kens. Barbie is significantly helped by Kate McKinnon's portrayal of the so-called "Weird Barbie" in helping her on her path. As President Barbie, Issa Rae dazzles with her no-nonsense manner. Simu Liu portrays the taunting Ken who torments Ryan Gosling's character, while Alexandra Shipp personifies Doctor Barbie's skill and gentleness. As a member of the Mattel staff, America Ferrera plays a significant role. In addition, Michael Cera makes an endearing Allan among the sea of attractive Kens, even though others conveniently ignore him.

Despite ambitious intellectual forays, "Barbie" occasionally suffers from inconsistency. The movie slows down in its middle portion as it explores deeper subjects after bursts of quick-fire humor. Admiration is shown for the film's grandiose scope, in which Gerwig explores serious ideas amid the mindless blockbuster season. However, the abundance of concepts occasionally causes the story to stall and calls for explanations that go beyond a single occurrence. Gerwig's initial exhibition of sarcastic brilliance was more effective in expressing notions about toxic masculinity, entitlement, female empowerment, and teamwork.

The story gives a thorough third-act monologue about the difficulties of being a woman and the conflicting expectations of society, which resonates with the experienced person and gives them a sense of being seen and understood. Despite the wealth of insights, this particular instance comes out as a little sanctimonious, heavy-handed, and excessively clear.

Nevertheless, "Barbie" succeeds by fusing crowd-pleasing entertainment with material for provocative conversation. In essence, it cleverly hides metaphorical spinach inside the decadent brownieβ€”or, in this case, blondie.

As a result, "Barbie," under Greta Gerwig's expert direction, develops into a mesmerizing masterpiece that deftly bridges the gap between fantasy and introspection. A cinematic treat that defies expectations and transforms a beloved doll into a symbol of inspiration and empowerment.

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Filmenia

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