Movie Review: Barbie Earns Four Stars

It's Barbenheimer weekend...the other half!

I saw Oppenheimer first, but now I've caught up by viewing Barbie, the other blockbuster movie, this past weekend.

Barbie is a 2023 American live-action comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, America Ferrera, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Will Ferrell, and Issa Rae. Rhea Perlman, Carla from Cheers, makes an appearance too.

First, I need to make it clear that I am not a Barbie person. I was more into the He-man toys when I was a kid. Never had Barbies. But my sister had Barbies.

While I am not interested in Barbie specifically I am very much interested in Greta Gerwig as a director and writer. Loved her Lady Bird and Little Women movies. I also very much enjoy anything Margot Robbie, aka Harley Quinn, performs in.

The plot is Toy Story meets Legally Blonde.

In the film, Barbie is a doll who is expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough. She then travels to the real world, where she learns that there is more to life than being perfect.

The film is a lot of fun and very silly. It is over-the-top, campy, and makes fun of all the Barbie related stereotypes. But it is also enjoyable. The cast is great, and the film is full of heart.

One of the things that makes the film so enjoyable is its subversion of stereotypes. Barbie is often seen as a symbol of perfection, but the film shows that she is just as flawed as anyone else. She is insecure, she makes mistakes, and she has to learn to embrace her flaws. This message is empowering for many young girls, who often feel pressure to be perfect.

Overall, Barbie is a funny, enjoyable film. It is PG13 and contains some adult humor. It may not be appropriate for young girls. Adults will love it. Many will recognize their favorite Barbies and outfits.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Barbie is currently screening at the Regal 12 Cinema at Eagle Ridge Mall in Lake Wales.