Barbie

 

9.5/10

In this new film, Stereotypical Barbie (played by Margot Robbie) lives in the idyllic Barbieland where all the Barbie dolls live. One day, Barbie starts having dark thoughts and becoming more realistic. In order to go back to normal, she goes on a journey to the real world.

Barbie is one of the funniest movies this year. They're so many delightful lines in this. This is one of those movies like the original Enchanted or Return of the Killer Tomatoes that jumps straight into the deep end of the inherent silliness of the whole basic concept. 

Director-writer team Greta Gerwig (Ladybird/Little Women) and Noah Bambauch mine all the known details about Barbie they can, like Weird Barbie (SNL's Kate McKinnon), the Barbie that's damaged by having her owner play with her too much, or ractual ecalled/controversial Barbies (they have a lot of fun with this, and I won't spoil how misconceived some of these were), or lesser known Barbies like Ken's pal Allan (Michael Cera). There's an unexpected whole subplot about the Kens basically being considered Barbie's accessories and second-hand citizens in a world where women can and do all the jobs. 

When I heard Barbie was going to the real world, I was worried that this would be like the live-action Smurfs movies or the He-Man movie where the potential of the fantasy world is sacrificed for more mundane goings-ons. However, I'm pleased to say that this takes place more in Barbieland than the real world. The movie sort of has a magic realism feel to it, and I like that they treat Barbies coming to reality as something that's happened and is a secret kept by Mattel rather than something everyone has to wrap their heads around for the first time.

Despite the filmmakers clearly having fun with the whole concept, at times the movie can be surprisingly poignant. There's like four or so emotional moments that play off better than you expect. Besides being a movie that celebrates Barbie, the movie also analyzes the pros and cons of the character's influence, and compares the idealistic women-dominated world of Barbieland to reality. I was surprised with a couple scenes that though they don't go to the darkest places are completely candid with how men can treat women as objects. Be prepared that some of these moments could make certain people uncomfortable. I have to applaud Mattel for giving Gerwig sheer range and not shying away from some of the more regretful aspects of Barbie over the years.

Barbieland looks fantastic as it is the plastic world of Barbie brought to life and feels authentic.  Not to mention that Gerwig just generally has a great design sense. Really, I haven't seen such bright and simply fun visuals in a major motion picture in a while. Costumes also appear accurate to those actually worn by Barbie dolls. Also, we get a great soundtrack that perfectly accentuates what's going, including four new solid songs, including entries from Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Billie Eilish.

Margot Robbie was the perfect choice for Barbie. She has such a wide range in this and nails all of the character's various emotions. Considering that Ryan isn't know for comedy, his casting as Ken was a surprise, but he gives the funniest performance in the entire film as kinda a big child. Unfortunately, there isn't enough time to list the entire great cast in this. (Gerwig really had the magic touch when it came to casting each Barbie). I will give a quick shout out to Ugly Betty/Superstore's America Ferrera who's likable as the human who aids Barbie and Michael Cera who's Allan is so darn watchable as the unpopular doll who can be equally awkward but is also one of the saner characters and an underdog you root for. 

I found this but to be highly enjoyable, but the ending has a few nitpicks for me. I thought the last scene of the Kens' storyline could've been cut down for time and could've been handled better. Also, they make you like Allan, but the character doesn't really have a final destination.

Though Barbie is a child's toy, this movie feels more written for teens and adults (it's PG-13). That having been said, I wouldn't say your kid can't watch it, I just can't guarantee if they'll keep up with the plot. (They'll probably like the visuals, though.) Barbie is a girl's toy, but I feel the jokes and messages in this can appeal to anyone.

Highly recommended. This is like The Lego Movie or the Paddington movies where they really manage to elevate and make a good film out of an existing IP.