Barbie

Tonight, on Max, I finished watching the 2023 “Barbie” movie while exercising. There might be those out there thinking why a male like myself would be watching this movie, but I heard it was a funny movie and the one of the best of 2023, so I decided to see it.

At its best, “Barbie” is a visual display with nice performances, catchy music and some practicality social commentary. That’s not always the case with “Barbie,” which has the once in a while mistake and pacing issue, but overall, it’s one of 2023’s most thoughtful and fun films.

Helen Mirren narrates the prehistoric life of Barbie and the revolution that lit after her arrival. Jeffrey Lyles said in his review, “Right from this opening sequence director/co-screenwriter Greta Gerwig (Lady Bird) shows an ideal blend of scorching satire and a genuine appreciation for all things Barbie.  That’s a tricky balancing act, but Gerwig and co-screenwriter Noah Baumbach navigate it smoothly.”

Stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, is living her usual perfect life. She’s enjoying all the luxuries of life in Barbieland – her Dream House, car, and a day on the beach. She enjoys being with the other Barbies like President Barbie (Issa Rae), Physicist Barbie (Emma Mackey), Mermaid Barbie (Dua Lupa), and Writer Barbie (Alexandra Shipp).

Not having any attention until the Barbies look at them are the various Kens including Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, and Scott Evans. The one who actually has a crush on Barbie is Stereotypical Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, who is in a “rivalry” with Liu for Barbie’s attention. Lyles said, ‘In Barbieland there’s no coupling, which is an interesting decision from Gerwig and Baumbach.”

Lyles continued, “Beyonce would be proud of Barbieland as the Barbie girls Run the World. The Kens may as well be another accessory.”

Stereotypical Barbie starts to feel different emotions that don’t feel right with her everything is perfect reality of Barbieland. To fix the problems, she goes to Weird Barbie, played by Kate McKinnon, to journey into the Real World and find the girl whose depressed thinking is affecting her.

Desperate to win her over, Ken goes along for the ride and the two have completely different experiences in the Real World. Lyles said, “Barbie doesn’t know what to make of the catcalls and being derided for her cheery attitude and sensational wardrobe.” Ken finds a realm where men are treated with respect and have “the power.”

Barbie and Ken’s Real-World experiences are the best parts of the film. Lyles said, “It’s where Gerwig and Baumbach can launch a variety of smart salvos at the modern status quo and how different it is from Barbieland.”

Robbie is excellent as the good-natured, immature Barbie facing the severity of the real world. Gosling is equally fun with Ken’s revelations. Lyles noted, “No, Barbie isn’t the standard Oscar fare — it’s too cheery, good-natured and funny to be a typical contender — but it’d be disappointing if both Robbie and Gosling don’t receive acting nominations. Their committed, all-in performances take the film to another level.”

Barbie going around in the Real World isn’t the best thing for brand distributor Mattel, with Will Ferrell as the boss. One of the film’s best jokes is the makeup of the board room making decisions on Barbie. As always, Ferrell has some unusual comedy despite it needing more Ferrell/McKinnon interaction.

Eventually, Barbie meets the reason for her troubles – Gloria (America Ferrera) and her teen feminist bashing daughter (Ariana Greenblatt). This doesn’t go the way Barbie wanted, but she hopes going back to Barbieland will help them.

Lyles said, “Unfortunately, Ken’s taken the lessons from the Real World to Barbieland and effectively staged a coup with the dudes now running the place.” To restore everything back, Barbie and her new friends will have to gather the other Barbies and take back the realm from the Kens.

After a long time, Michael Cera returns to film with the role of Allen, someone everyone doesn’t pay attention to. We also have a very heartwarming performance from Rhea Perlman. You should see this movie on Max because I think everyone will enjoy it. This isn’t a movie that is meant for the women who grew up playing with Barbies, but it is more of a spoof on the products. You could say they pull an “Enchanted” on us, but you should still see it to know what I mean.

Thank you for joining in on this review tonight. Stay tuned tomorrow to see what I will review this month.