“Barbie” is a new comedic film, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, that was directed by Greta Gerwig.
Gerwig (“Lady Bird”) also co-wrote the screenplay with Noah Baumbach (“Marriage Story”), which is based on Barbie by Mattel. It is released in theaters on July 21st via Warner Bros. Pictures.
In this film, “to live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place; unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.”
America Ferrera also stars as Gloria, the Mattel employee that was the catalyst in bringing Barbie to the real world, and Will Ferrell plays the CEO of Mattel.
Aside from Robbie as Barbie, the comedy features different variations of Barbie played by Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Hari Nef, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, and Dua Lipa, among others; moreover, it features many different Ken characters, which are portrayed by such actors as Simu Liu, Scott Evans, Rob Brydon, Ncuiti Gatwa, Kingsley Ben-Adir (who is unrecognizable in the role) and John Cena.
In “Barbie,” Gerwig touches upon many themes explored in her film “Lady Bird” film such as friendship, maternal relationships, personal growth, and self-discovery.
Robbie loses her Australian accent, and captures the essence and heart of her stereotypical Barbie character.
Gosling balances the spirit of Ken with both wit and sentimentalism; furthermore, he is eccentric and suave, and steals every scene he is in. He portrays him as a character who is ardent for masculine affirmation in a refreshing manner.
Everybody in the cast brought something different to the film, and it was filled with diversity and inclusivity, with the only downside being the lack of development for so many of these characters.
Dame Helen Mirren does an eloquent job narrating this film, while Rhea Perlman is a revelation as Ruth Handler, the businesswoman who invented the Barbie doll.
Going into this movie, this journalist did not know what to expect; it could have felt like a toy or brand commercial for Mattel… but the cast was able to breathe fresh life into the characters, and Gerwig’s writing was insightful and the direction was consistent, giving the actors a solid and unique perspective for each character.
The Verdict
Overall, Greta Gerwig is able to immerse viewers in her whimsical “Barbie” world. Margot Robbie showcases her sense of triumph in “Barbie” as she humanizes the title character in an earnest and effervescent performance.
From start to finish, Barbie embarks on a journey of personal fulfillment in a world that is new and unknown to her, where she is joined by Ken on this wild and extravagant ride.
It also stands out in the artistic and technical categories for its set design, costumes, makeup and hairstyling, visual effects, cinematography, film editing, as well as its original musical score. It deserves to be a contender at next year’s Academy Awards in the acting (for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling) and these technical categories.
Punctuating a screenplay saturated in feminism and satire provides many clever moments that will make you laugh, complemented by emotional and thought-provoking moments.
This movie is ideal for anyone over the age of 13. In many ways, it is the quintessential summer flick due to its liberating nature, which is blockbuster escapism at its finest. “Barbie” is campy, ambitious, and a great deal of fun. It garners 4 out of 5 stars.
