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