Barbie (2023) Comedy Movie Review

Led by the talented Jacqueline Durran and Sarah Greenwood, the costume and production design are consistently clever and colorful, capturing the essence of the ever-evolving Barbie icon. Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto adds a glossy gleam to everything. What sets "Barbie" apart is not just the recreation of iconic Barbie figures throughout history, complete with various outfits and hairstyles, but the infectious energy and knowing wink that bring these characters to life.

The film is not only visually impressive but also hysterically funny, with laugh-out-loud moments scattered generously. The humor comes from the idyllic, pink-hued realm of Barbieland, fish-out-of-water situations, and clever pop culture references. However, due to the clever and widespread marketing campaign, you might find that you've already seen many of the movie's inspired moments.

Now, onto the basic plot: Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, the most popular of all Barbies in Barbieland, goes through an existential crisis. She ventures into the human world to understand herself, with her somewhat-boyfriend Ken (Ryan Gosling) tagging along for his own existential reasons. The movie explores harsh truths, new friendships, and the journey to self-discovery, blending stark reality with an obsessively engineered fantasy—a theme reminiscent of films like "The Truman Show" and "The LEGO Movie."

"Barbie" acknowledges the unrealistic physical proportions of Barbie dolls and the real body issues they can cause in young girls, all while celebrating Barbie as a feminist icon. The movie cleverly references Barbie's history, highlighting her role as a pioneer with moments like an astronaut Barbie doll preceding the presence of women in NASA's astronaut corps. Additionally, the film playfully pokes fun at Mattel and Warner Bros., creating an appearance that they're in on the pointed jokes at their own expense.

In summary, "Barbie" is not just a visually stunning film; it's a funny and clever exploration of Barbie's impact on culture, addressing both the unrealistic expectations she sets and her role as a symbol of empowerment.

Margot Robbie shines as the star of "Barbie," effortlessly blending satire with sincerity. Her casting is spot-on, embodying the iconic character with a blonde-haired, blue-eyed allure and an unflagging, exaggerated optimism perfect for the candy-coated world. As Barbie's understanding deepens, Robbie handles the more complex dialogue with finesse, showcasing a range of emotions from a dazzling smile to a poignant tear.

On the flip side, Ryan Gosling steals scenes with his portrayal of Ken, reveling in the character's himbo frailty. From a needy beau to a swaggering, macho doofus, Gosling's performance is a total hoot. The film's ensemble, featuring Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Alexandra Shipp, Simu Liu, and America Ferrera, adds depth and standout moments.

Despite its ambitious and exciting premise, "Barbie" occasionally falters, especially in the middle where it grapples with more serious themes. While Greta Gerwig takes bold swings at addressing toxic masculinity and female empowerment, the film's pacing suffers during moments of explanation. The initial breezy and satirical tone was more effective in conveying these ideas than the later heavy-handed approach.

One notable instance involves a lengthy third-act speech about the challenges women face and societal contradictions. While some may resonate with the message, others may find it preachy and too on-the-nose. Nevertheless, "Barbie" manages to balance crowd-pleasing moments with opportunities for thoughtful conversations, making it a multifaceted accomplishment. It's like sneaking spinach into your kid's brownies—or, in this case, blondies.