For those who read my Barbie movie trailer post, I must first confirm that I did not develop a greater love for pink as I imagined I might. I still like pink just fine, as always. What I do appreciate more now after seeing director Greta Gerwig’s rather fun Barbie film is the casting of Ryan Gosling as Ken.
To clarify, I was never against Gosling’s casting, nor did I read the details of why some believed it to be a mistake. I was curious about the story, especially once it became clear that an existential crisis would be at its core.
How Barbie’s aforementioned internal crisis plays out makes for a watchable emotional journey that starts with her seemingly perfect days in Barbie Land, to the discovery of a different life in the real world. Add to that some female empowerment plus Ken’s own crisis, and we have a script that balances both story arcs well while delivering a Barbie movie worth the heavily pink-hued adventure.
Barbie will almost certainly be enjoyed most by serious fans who grew up playing with and loving Barbie dolls. I do not fit neatly into that category, but enjoy myself I certainly did. I’m sure it helps that I found no fault with the film’s well-imagined set/costume design. Additionally, there’s Gosling and Margot Robbie’s believable portrayals of the doll experiences in both the real world and Barbie Land.
The characters played by Issa Rae, Kate Mckinnon and Michael Cera are notable additional highlights, not to forget the delightful dance numbers performed by all the Kens.
I recommend Barbie, a fun, light-hearted summer movie that stands firmly on its own, even though it is simultaneously a great antidote for Oppenheimer (2023).
Lastly, the following is more to do with my specific criteria for the kind of films I watch at home versus the theatre. But, as Barbie played, I remember thinking I could have easily watched it at home instead of at the cinema. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to Barbie’s streaming release. Because it’s very clear to me that the rewatch value is decidedly strong with this one.
Have you already seen Barbie? And if you have, how perfect was that ending?
Happy Film Loving.
G
The Movie My Life 
Happy you enjoyed yourself 🙂 A bunch of us went and had a good laugh. We all agreed to watch it again at home.
Excellent plan! 🥂🩷
Glad you enjoyed it and will see it for sure but probably after streaming/dvd release.
Thank you, and I hope you giggle plenty when you do. 🤓🩷
I liked Michael Cera too, he was really funny. I liked all the references to discontinued toys, it’s a really fun idea for a film. I really liked America Ferrera’s character, she was lovely.
Agreed! Greta and her husband did a great job on the script. I’m now looking forward to seeing what they do with the sequels that will surely follow. Fingers crossed that they take the required time to make sure that it’s really good. 😊🤞🤞
Definitely. 😀
I’ve all good things about the ending, but I will wait till I can see it at home someday! 😉
I hope you enjoy yourself when you do. 🥂
Really you find ending perfect? I was not so sure
Absolutely. For me, it was expected executed perfectly and a perfect set-up for upcoming sequels.
I finally watched this with my wife (we rarely get time to go to the cinema on our own) and we both had a great time. I deliberately avoided all comments, so the only thing I knew about it coming in was that it was a smash hit and the fact it involved an existential crisis.
I know of Greta’s reputation and the kinds of movies she makes, but haven’t had a chance to watch any of them yet. So I was curious but was not prepared for the quality of the experience, which became clear in the opening sequence. Really well executed and articulated thoughts and comments on both genders, the history of Barbie, and what it means for the generations of girls growing up with the doll. I love the Matrix homages. I’m not so crazy about the ending (the scene with the creator could be left out), but to be fair I could not think of any better way to end this movie. Great movie with a good ending.
Excellent! 🤓 I’m glad you and your wife had a wonderful time watching Barbie. I think you went about it the right way when you chose to avoid review comments. I hope more people who are sceptical about whether they could enjoy a movie about Barbie give it a chance, instead of potentially missing out. 🤓
“Take my hands. Close your eye. Now FEEL.” + Billy Eilish sountrack. Great scene, and I enjoyed the movie. Watched it on a recent plane ride (As I was magically teleported, hehe). Great writeup👍
Thank you, E.F. 😊
You know, I’m yet to properly delve deeply into the Barbie Soundtrack but it is on my to-do list. I’m glad you had a good time with it.