Barbie was a part of most people's childhoods. If you had a doll yourself, or knew someone who had one, it is one of those names everyone knows. In this film, Barbie is taken to a whole new level and put onto the big screen for the first time with real actors, and it doesn't disappoint.
Synopsis
Barbie and Ken live a perfect life in Barbie Land where every day is amazing. However, when a disruption causes the flow of perfection to stop, Barbie must find a way to restore it by traveling into the real world, and along the way discover what it's like to be human.
Directed by Greta Gerwig starring Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, America Ferrera as Gloria and many more Barbie's and Ken’s throughout the film.
Highs
The casting and portrayals of the characters are immaculate. Margot Robbie just radiates Barbie energy throughout the film, from speech to mannerisms. It truly feels like everyone is a real Barbie doll. Throughout the film, you get the classic arched foot, plastic food, empty cups, to the entire area of Barbie Land looking like something out of a Mattel ad. It's the amazing eye for detail that sells the movie as the "Barbie" movie.
The music throughout the movie drags you into Barbie Land head first. Somehow, even though the movie is a mix between a musical, comedy, and drama, it all works together, and sound plays a huge part in that. The songs like Lizzo’s “Pink" and Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For" truly set the scenes, and the lyrics truly encapsulate the emotions in the moments of the film. All the songs throughout tell the story. Music was used brilliantly as a tool throughout, as well as sound with a narrator being present as well that brings comedic relief to the audience.
The coolest part is actually seeing that most of the characters in the film are real Barbie dolls that have been made over the years. It brings forward that fantasy and reality moment that is really cool to see as a viewer.
Lows
Sometimes the goofiness is too much. They break up reality with singing and comedic timing break offs, and it is sometimes off putting in the flow of the movie. I understand that it's there to show us it’s still "Barbie" we are watching, but I would like more reality (especially with the realness the film brings). This is truly the only low and saying a lot would spoil the film completely.
Verdict
I can't wait to watch this film again. I thought the cinematography was amazing. The concept truly brought reality into Barbie Land, and it captivates you. Women will relate to this film with their whole beings, and I love that because when you come down to the reality of Barbie, that’s what she was made for.
“My whole philosophy of Barbie was that through the doll, the little girl could be anything she wanted to be. Barbie always represented the fact that a woman has choices,” Barbie inventor Ruth Handler said.
This movie encapsulates that feeling.
I give "Barbie" a 10 out of 10.
