When Barbie Meets Reality in the Big Screen

Alright, let’s get real for a second. Picture me, a man in my 30s, sitting down to watch the latest summer blockbuster, “Barbie,” directed and co-written by the artistic powerhouse that is Greta Gerwig. Yes, a Barbie movie.

Now, wipe that grin off your face, because this is no ordinary frolic through a plastic paradise. This is a sparkling whirlwind of color, detail, humor, and a surprising amount of depth that had me thinking, “Wow, Barbie’s got more going on under that blonde hairdo than I ever imagined.”

So buckle up, folks. Grab your popcorn, we’re heading into Barbieland.

The Visual Treat

First, let’s talk about the visual fiesta this film is. This is no lazy stroll through a static dollhouse. This is a visual feast of clever and colorful costume design led by two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran, and a production design so meticulously put together by six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood that you might need to watch the movie a couple of times to catch all the details. Every scene had a glossy gleam that I couldn’t help but marvel at.

From the beginning, we’re greeted with a dazzling variety of Barbie dolls through the decades, each clothed and coiffed to the tee. The energy in which these figures are brought to life is like tasting pure joy. Let’s not forget those laugh-out-loud moments that keep us chuckling and chuckling again, serving a delightful cocktail of physical comedy and clever pop culture references.

Barbie in Crisis

Now, the movie’s plot is surprisingly deep. Barbie (played by the ever-radiant Margot Robbie) is experiencing an existential crisis — yeah, you heard me right. Barbie, the poster girl of perfection, is having a meltdown, and I couldn’t help but lean forward in my seat, popcorn forgotten.

Barbie, along with her kinda-sorta boyfriend Ken (played by Ryan Gosling, and yes, I had a mini fanboy moment), leave the pristine world of Barbieland and travel into our oh-so-messy human world to find their true selves. In a delightful play of reality seeping into fantasy, Gerwig has crafted a journey of self-discovery that is both hilarious and introspective.

The Uncomfortable Truth

What really struck me, though, was the way this movie dealt with the elephant in the room. The unrealistically perfect physique of Barbie has been a cause for concern for decades now, but Gerwig handles it with a grace that had me nodding in respect. The film acknowledges Barbie’s physical proportions, and the issues they might cause, while also celebrating her role as a feminist icon.

There’s a scene where astronaut Barbie dolls (1965) salute a couple of suited-up women astronauts among the stars — a nod to Barbie’s career as an astronaut before the first actual woman made it into NASA’s astronaut corps in 1978. This is a Barbie that says “Yay, space!” and I couldn’t help but cheer along with her.

The Corporate Joke

I had a good laugh when the film humorously took a jab at Mattel (Barbie’s manufacturer) and Warner Bros. (the film’s distributor). The top-floor conference room at Mattel’s headquarters, populated solely by men, had a neat, heart-shaped “Dr. Strangelove”-inspired lamp hovering over the table. But, of course, their CEO, played by Will Ferrell, insists that their “gender-neutral bathrooms up the wazoo” are evidence of diversity. Well played, Gerwig, well played.

The Performances

Margot Robbie, as Barbie, is an absolute delight. She radiates optimism, yet is capable of handling the more complicated dialogue with a grace that had me captivated. Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling, playing Ken, steals the show. He is a delight to watch, throwing himself headlong into his role, embodying the ‘himbo’ character with unbridled hilarity and sincerity.

And I can’t finish this section without mentioning the ensemble cast, where each actor shines in their role. From Kate McKinnon’s ‘Weird Barbie’ to America Ferrera’s crucial role as a Mattel employee, every character brought their unique touch to the movie, making it a vibrant tapestry of brilliant performances.

A Shout Out to Representation

Now, I have to talk about representation. Yeah, we’re talking about a Barbie movie here, and I can hear you saying, “But it’s a world of blonde hair and blue eyes!” But folks, Gerwig doesn’t shy away from throwing a few curveballs.

Consider this: In a sea of Kens, we have Simu Liu, the trash-talking Ken who keeps tormenting Gosling’s Ken. It’s a bit of a subplot that gave me a good chuckle. But take a step back and look at the bigger picture. This is a Ken who looks different, talks differently, and yet is just as Ken as the rest of them. Liu’s Ken is the sass that Barbieland needed and I have to give kudos to Gerwig for thinking out of the box here.

Simu Liu, well-known for breaking stereotypes, brings a vibrancy and energy to his Ken that’s utterly delightful. His presence in the movie felt like a breath of fresh air, a dash of diversity that was a much-needed contrast to the sea of Kens. And boy, does he deliver! His performance was as punchy as his dialogues, making his Ken one of my absolute favorites in the film.

Colorful World Beyond the Blonde

Another point of representation that caught my attention was the presence of diverse Barbie dolls. From Alexandra Shipp’s Doctor Barbie to Issa Rae’s President Barbie, we see Barbie dolls of various ethnic backgrounds. This is a commendable step taken by Gerwig, subtly reminding us that Barbies, and by extension, girls, and women, come in all colors, shapes, and sizes.

The representation doesn’t stop at color either. Each Barbie, irrespective of their color or ethnicity, is shown excelling in their own field. Be it politics, medicine, or just being quirky (yes, I’m looking at you, Kate McKinnon’s ‘Weird Barbie’), these dolls break the stereotype of Barbie being just a pretty face with a killer wardrobe. They are ambitious, smart, and they stand tall, oozing confidence.

A Few Stumbles

Despite the sheer brilliance of this movie, it does stumble here and there. The plot, while ambitious, drags in the middle as it presents its serious themes. It sometimes feels like the movie is trying to explain itself to us a bit too much, pausing its upbeat momentum for heavy-handed monologues.

Still, the film concludes as a crowd-pleaser, an extravaganza of colors, humor, and thought-provoking conversations. It’s like sneaking a green smoothie into a cocktail party, and no one’s complaining.

Inclusive Reality Check

Finally, let’s talk about America Ferrera’s role as a Mattel employee. Ferrera, who is no stranger to bringing complex, richly drawn female characters to life, plays an employee who provides a reality check in the plastic world of Barbie. Her character not only serves as a connection between the fantasy world of Barbie and the real world but is also a representation of the everyday working woman, reminding us of the crucial role they play in shaping society.

So yes, “Barbie” the movie, while draped in pink and glitter, isn’t afraid to address the broader issues of representation, race, and feminism. It presents a diverse, inclusive Barbieland, where Barbie dolls of all colors and backgrounds excel in their chosen fields, breaking stereotypes and making a statement. And trust me, it’s a statement worth hearing.

To sum it up, “Barbie” is a sparkling summer blockbuster that serves a visual treat, a hilarious and surprisingly deep narrative, and a lineup of performances that are sure to leave you entertained. It’s the kind of film that not only makes you laugh but makes you think. It presents a doll that has been an icon for generations in a light that is both honest and inspiring. And for a man in his 30s watching a Barbie movie, that’s quite a feat.