Barbie Review

I saw Barbie on July 21, 2023! When you hear the word Barbie, it's globally recognizable as one of the biggest brands of all time from signature doll lines and accessories through multiple generations. Girls all over the world have purchased them, played with them and in some cases, just liked the idea of collecting them. Barbie is a word that conjures up so many feelings of both jubilance, while also being a subject of controversy among many people as well over the years. Barbie is just a force that has been the linchpin for Mattel for years going through several different iterations from the signature look to more diverse lines truly presenting that global impact Ruth Handler created in 1959. Barbie is something that will stand the test of time, and this brilliant movie helmed by renowned film director, Greta Gerwig will only further that notion. 

When you think about movies that are highly anticipated, nothing has piqued movie audiences interests more than Barbie has in recent memory. From the initial 2001: A Space Odyssey motif to the shots of Margot Robbie clapping to upbeat music, the mystery surrounding this movie's plot and overall ambience was intriguing. After seeing the movie, I was completely astonished at how much I enjoyed this. This isn't just a movie about a toy; it's a movie taking a toy towing the line between social satire and sublime sincerity to create a truly unique movie that stands out in the best possible way. 

Margot Robbie has become one of the preeminent actresses in Hollywood over the last decade and I've enjoyed many of her performances such as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey to Sharon Tate in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, but, in all honesty, her performance in Barbie is her tour-de-force thus far in her career. She is simply phenomenal in this role. Her ability to alternate between the mindset of her glamorous doll life and the daunting ominous real life side is truly remarkable. As you would imagine, she is simply gorgeous through both smiles and tears, trying to navigate her place in two worlds and recognizing her purpose in every facet of her existence. I was moved by how much she put herself into this role, making it special and one of true great female performances of the year. She deserves the praise she is getting for her commitment to making Barbie one of the most layered characters. It's pretty impressive to take a plastic doll, and turn it into one of the most emotionally driven character performances in recent memory. 

Where Margot Robbie is the literal and figurative heart of this movie, Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie is simply outstanding. Gosling has always been a gifted actor, but his work as Ken is one of his absolute best displaying both brutish naivety as well as a sense of genuine veneration he wants from both Barbie and the world. A lot of his story forms the core of the overall plot, and when that plot takes shape, the movie becomes a whole new story which instantly gripped me more as a viewer keeping me invested at each turn. It's also really clever on the parts of the film makers where the audience realizes that Ken matters a lot more than he thinks he does, but, obviously Ken's character can't see that quite yet, which is apropos for the character's mindset in real...and, well, doll life. 

The overall look of Barbie Land is one of the impressive aesthetic designs you'll find. The set pieces are amazing from the design of the houses to the outfits to the land and the beach all centered around a pink hue. The bright, technicolor aspects of the pink blended with the genuine matriarchal society creates a bright, vivid picture exciting audiences from the outset. Compared to the earthy tones and darker colors of the real world, it really creates a beautiful symbiosis, showcasing both the similarities and differences emanating in both worlds. 

With two excellent leading performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, a compelling, layered plot centering on social and political commentary, brilliant costume, make-up and set designs, a brilliant mix of comedy utilizing both double entendre and slapstick, genuine emotion that makes the audience feel for Barbie's journey, a great supporting cast such as Kate McKinnon (genuine show stealer as Weird Barbie), America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell, brilliant  writing and directing by Greta Gerwig and an overall movie that supplants the notion that Barbie is more than a doll; she is the very idea that continues to motivate girls and women to reach through the glass ceiling, shatter it and become more than they are in physical, emotional and spiritual ways, as well as providing that bridge between both work and play in every day life. The power of Barbie is truly universal, and her light will continue to shine bright for generations to come!