Barbie Review: Hollywood’s Summer Has Been Saved

Despite a bummer summer for Hollywood, Barbie combines wit, sentimentality, and a keen self-awareness to deliver an enthralling cinematic experience. While incorporating commercial elements, the movie deftly employs them to satirize consumerism, offering a refreshing and insightful perspective.

The film’s standout feature lies in its impeccable production design. This infuses every aspect, from the dazzling sets to the enchanting costumes, with an infectious spirit of enjoyment and inventiveness. This meticulous attention to detail enhances the movie experience, reflecting a genuine passion for production design.

It’s Barbie and (just) Ken

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The Comedic duo of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling

Margot Robbie’s portrayal of Barbie in the movie is extraordinary, captivating audiences with her impeccable performance. With flawless precision, she captures the essence of the beloved character, bringing Barbie to life authentically and endearingly. From Barbie’s trademark charm to her unwavering positivity, Robbie’s dedication to the role shines through. As a result, watching her portrayal is an absolute delight.

However, Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken truly steals the show and becomes the unexpected comedic gem of the film. With his masterful comedic timing and skilful use of nonverbal cues, Gosling effortlessly delivers uproarious moments on screen. He portrays Ken with an excellent balance of humour and heart. This adds depth to the character, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. A dynamic and entertaining duo, Gosling and Robbie elevate the movie to new heights with their chemistry.

The underdeveloped characters

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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We needed more Emma Mackey

The film’s success doesn’t rest solely on its leading actors. The ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances, fully embodying their respective roles and contributing to the movie’s finely-tuned ensemble. From the quirky supporting characters to the charismatic antagonists, every actor brings their A-game, enhancing the overall storytelling experience. Throughout the film, the casting director has made wise choices, as each character is integral to the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.

Even though the movie boasts a talented cast, some viewers may wish for more development of the characters portrayed by Issa Rae, Emma Mackey, and Simu Liu. These gifted actors display their talents remarkably, but their personalities could have been given more opportunities to work with. Despite this, their performances shine through, showcasing their undeniable talent and dedication to their craft. This enriches the overall cinematic experience.

The script and direction

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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Baumbach and Gerwig’s brilliance

The creative minds behind the film, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, continue to impress with their talents. Gerwig’s direction injects the movie with personality, while the Gerwig-Baumbach duo writes a mix of obvious and subtle jokes that keep the audience smiling. The movie strikes a striking balance between humour and emotion, showcasing the team’s storytelling prowess.

Beyond laughs and entertainment, Barbie carries a profound and meaningful message that resonates with audiences beyond its surface charm. At its core, the film examines men’s role in society. It urges them to break free from societal expectations and discover their true selves. Rather than adhering to rigid stereotypes, it encourages men to embrace their individuality and aspirations.

The women in Barbie

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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The film’s powerful portrayal of women’s empowerment

However, the movie focuses on empowering women and dismantling harmful stereotypes and expectations that have plagued them for generations. Using Barbie as a powerful symbol, the film showcases that women can be anything they desire. This is done by breaking away from traditional roles and embracing ambitions fearlessly. The portrayal of Barbie’s journey sends a powerful message to women. Embracing their uniqueness motivates them to reject societal pressures that limit their potential.

While some argue that Barbie may not cater to a male audience, this is not a flaw but an intentional choice. The film effectively communicates its message to its target audience by unapologetically focusing on women’s empowerment and self-discovery. It serves as an inspiring and empowering tool for women of all ages.

A delightful and thought-provoking cinematic experience, Barbie is more than just a summer film; it balances humour, heartfelt moments, and self-awareness. The movie’s success can be attributed to its exceptional cast, stunning production design, and skilful direction. These elements come together to create an enjoyable and visually captivating watch.

Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Despite its commercial origins, Barbie delivers a powerful and relevant message. It encourages women to challenge societal norms, embrace their dreams, and stand tall in adversity. By doing so, the film empowers women to redefine their place in the world and contribute to a more inclusive and equal society.

Barbie transcends the typical children’s movie, delivering a transformative experience that profoundly impacts its audience. Viewers are encouraged to embrace their authenticity and challenge societal limitations by exploring gender roles and empowering women. Breaking free from stereotypes, the film inspires self-acceptance and motivates viewers to carve their own paths in life. As a testament to storytelling’s power, Barbie provokes meaningful change in how we perceive ourselves and others.

What do you make of this review? Have you watched Barbie at the cinema? If so, what did you think of it? Let us know your thoughts on the movie in the comments below.

Barbie is still in cinemas worldwide.