Barbie

 

In all honesty, I don’t know why I went to see this film.

Yes, I grew up playing with and loving Barbie.  Until recently, I still had all my dolls, a suitcase full of all her shoes, clothes, and accessories, not to mention her toys: Sunsailer Catamaran, cruise ship, beach bus, and mobile home. I’m also still sad I never got her dream house, but there were only so many chores, allowances, birthdays, Christmases, and summers of jojoba picking to make money to placate my Barbie love. 

Regardless, from the first moment I saw the movie trailer, I wasn’t impressed.  It was more a hard eye roll, snort of derision, “seriously?” exclamation, knee jerk reaction from me.  Even with the building hype over months I have been less than enthusiastic about seeing this film, continuing even as I pre-purchased my ticket the first day they went on sale. It was with less anticipation and excitement than normal; I headed out into the 110°+ temperatures to see writer/director Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.

First, Barbie is definitely not for everyone.  

It’s not a kids film even though at first blush it looks like and has been marketed as one.  

Second, there will be plenty of detractors based on the “treatment” of the male characters/masculinity.

Third, the female empowerment message will no doubt turn lots of folks off.

With that all out of the way, much to my surprise and utter delight, I loved Barbie and am so happy I got out of my own way and went to see it.

Barbie is subversive, poignant, profound, heartfelt, deliriously humorous, unexpectedly deep, and thoroughly entertaining. From Helen Mirren’s opening prologue to Barbie’s last remarks the film is an hour fifty-four-minute ride that doesn’t disappoint.  

Fantastic casting in Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as the primary Barbie and Ken.  Watching them is a delight in and of itself, adding America Ferrera, Michael Cera, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, and Will Ferrell kicks everything up a notch.  Actually, kudos to all the Barbies, Kens, and various discontinued/unpopular dolls.  Everyone leaned into this film, hard, and it pays off in spades.

The soundtrack is excellent.  The costumes and art design are incredible. Amazing dance numbers and wild action sequences. But it’s the set design and props that do the heavy lifting in creating the magic of Barbieland, grounding the film in the imagination and magic of all things Barbie.  There are so many details and subtle touches that brought me so much joy seeing.  

No, I do not apologize for my squeals of delight seeing so many Barbie items I owned recreated and on the big screen.  

Barbie capitalizes on smart writing, snappy dialogue, strong direction and cinematography. It also contains unflinching truth, making it a winner. America speech alone is well worth the price of admission. It's a resounding slap in the face (think Encanto) that I felt with every fiber of my being. Leaving me stunned by its impact.

I went in not expecting much and questioning why I was going.  I left happy and thankful for having gone.  I applaud everyone connected with bringing this movie about this particular icon to life.

Barbie, for better or worse, has endured for so long for a reason.  The fun and nostalgia of this film, I suspect this film will ensure that her legacy continues. 

Barbie gets a 10 from me.

#Barbie