Barbie
James Brown
Barbie takes center stage in Greta Gerwig‘s vivaciously pink and subversively delightful film, aptly titled “Barbie.” Forget what you thought you knew about this iconic doll because Gerwig’s fresh take on Barbie World will leave you both pleasantly amused and, in some cases, empowered.
From the start, the film transports you to a mesmerizing pink-washed world where glamour reigns supreme. The attention to detail in costume and production design is so impeccable that you’ll have (fleeting) thoughts about redecorating your own world in shades of pink. But this isn’t just a pretty, pink package; “Barbie” packs a clever punch.
Margot Robbie‘s Barbie is more than just a pretty face; she’s a doll with depth. Facing an existential crisis like a millennial on Instagram, she ventures into the real world with her ever-so-stylish partner, Ken (played charmingly by Ryan Gosling). Together, they navigate the challenges of the real world, confronting outdated gender norms and bringing a dose of feminist fun to the screen.
What makes “Barbie” genuinely shine is its witty satire. The movie hilariously pokes fun at Barbie’s seemingly impossible proportions and effortlessly blissful life, but instead of leaving it at that, it flips the script and repackages her as a feminist icon.
Gerwig’s screenplay, co-written with Noah Baumbach, effortlessly balances sharp wit and heartfelt moments, ensuring you never get bogged down in a sea of pink. The film is a playful mix of absurdity and introspection, cleverly commenting on society’s obsession with perfection while encouraging self-acceptance.
"Barbie" never loses sight of its message – empowerment.
Amidst the vibrant colors and peppy music (with tracks from Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, and others), “Barbie” never loses sight of its message – empowerment. It’s a heartwarming reminder to young girls that they can be anything they want, whether glamorous fashionista or an astronaut soaring to the stars.
Of course, not all the glitter is gold. Some critics might argue that the film’s brand promotion aspects occasionally overshadow the depth of character representation. I disagree, but hey, this is Mattel we’re talking about; one should expect a little commercialism!
Ultimately, “Barbie” is a whimsical and empowering adventure that will leave you with a smile and a newfound appreciation for all things pink. Gerwig has taken the iconic doll and given her a modern makeover, proving there’s so much more to Barbie than meets the eye.
“Barbie” is a witty celebration of self-discovery, identity, and being yourself unapologetically. As gender roles become more fluid in the post-modern world, the concept of the “girl’s toy” is becoming increasingly outmoded. To some, Barbie may be just a doll, but in Gerwig’s hands, she’s become an inspiring role model.
Final Thought
"Barbie" is the quirky feminist fairytale we never knew we needed.