Barbie is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. It stars Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows them on a journey of self-discovery through both Barbieland and the real world following an existential crisis. It is also a commentary regarding patriarchy and the effects of feminism. The supporting cast includes America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell.
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For being a movie based on a toy from my childhood, this is very much a young adult film. I mean Barbie is still cute and optimistic, but she gets a hard, heavy dose of reality and I’ll give it to her, she takes it better than most. The existential crisis’ of this movie hits home and there is more than one.
Ken’s realization that he is his own entity and Barbie’s realization that not everything is peaches and cream were both heartbreaking. It is very much a coming of age movie, but wow is it packed with adult emotions.
The movie does a decent job of keeping things light-hearted (Will Ferrell and Rhea Perlman as casting choices, yes), while delivering a very important message. Things aren’t all peaches and cream, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to give up.
My Rating: ★★★★
Fellowship of Filming(s) 