Barbie: A Doll-tastic Adventure
If Barbie dolls were a big part of your childhood, you might assume you know everything about her. However, you’re in for a pleasant surprise! Fans will have a whole new reason to fall in love with Barbie all over again!
Greta Gerwig’s reimagining of Mattel’s infamous doll is a charming satire of the Barbie brand, poking fun at its clichés and Mattel’s past attempts to reinvent her while celebrating her legacy and impact. It’s a clever satire on male power, dismantling stereotypes while championing female empowerment. From The Matrix red pill jokes to its never-ending pop culture references, this movie is a treasure trove of delights for young and old audiences.
The movie draws us in from the start, depicting Barbie living her perfect life in Barbieland with her boyfriend (who isn’t really her boyfriend) – Ken. When she unwittingly starts questioning her purpose and identity, she has no choice but to seek solutions to her “glitch” in the human world. And, of course, the only way here is through a magical portal.
Along the way, she meets different versions of herself and Ken, played by a diverse and hilarious cast that includes Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Simu Liu and John Cena. Greta draws inspiration from several cult classics while keeping viewers both engaged and enlightened, from the bold start to the whimsical wormhole journey between Barbieland and reality.
Acting
Margot Robbie’s flawless portrayal of the “Stereotypical Barbie” is the heart of this whimsical tale. Robbie embodies Barbie with ease, infusing her with a contagious spirit and genuine optimism that is ideal for this sugary-sweet universe – we can’t think of a more fitting casting; so much so that Helen Mirren who narrates the movie makes a joke about the casting choice. Ryan Gosling gives a performance that is charmingly empty yet undeniably appealing as he masterfully portrays Ken’s struggle to cope with Barbie’s departure and his insecurities. Together, Robbie and Gosling form a dynamic pair, carrying the movie on their shoulders with delightful chemistry.
Costume and Set Design
The film is brimming with impeccable attention to detail, leaving viewers in awe. Jacqueline Durran’s brilliant costume design and Sarah Greenwood’s vibrant production design make the Barbie Universe pop with vibrant colour and creativity. Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto adds a glossy gleam to the film, elevating its already impressive visuals. It’s a cinematic delight you might have to see a couple of times to truly appreciate the artistry, especially regarding the meticulously designed accessories and set pieces. The scale of the pieces isn’t 1:1, for example, Barbie’s car is a little too small, the fridges and other set pieces are partially in 2D, and the water is plastic, but all these contribute to further enhancing the storytelling that gives us an apt deception of what it could feel like to live in an actual play world.
At its core, the movie carries a heartwarming message about self-acceptance, diversity, and empowerment. Throughout the film, Barbie undergoes a transformation, learning to embrace her flaws and uniqueness, and challenging the expectations imposed by others. In doing so, she becomes an inspiring figure for Gloria, encouraging her to pursue her dreams and stand up for herself. Beyond being just a doll, Barbie emerges as a symbol of boundless possibility and potential, reminding us all that we, too, are capable of greatness. The movie’s key takeaway is a powerful one – to love ourselves unconditionally and always remember that we are “Kenough,” deserving of all the love and respect in the world.
Barbie is a movie that will make you laugh and cry. It’s a must-see for fans of Barbie, comedy and romance. It’s also a great movie for families, as it has something for everyone to enjoy. Just be prepared to have the catchy “Hi Barbie/Hi Ken” stuck in your head for days