In a world where toy-based movies often fall flat, Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” stands tall as a vibrant, thought-provoking, and genuinely hilarious cinematic experience. This pink-hued adventure starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling proves that even a plastic doll can spark meaningful conversations about gender roles, self-discovery, and the complexities of human existence.
Plot: More Than Just Child’s Play
Set in the idyllic Barbie Land, where every day is perfect and anatomically impossible proportions are the norm, we meet Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) living her best life. However, when existential thoughts begin to plague her perfectly molded mind, she embarks on a journey to the real world, accompanied by the ever-devoted Ken (Ryan Gosling).
What unfolds is a fish-out-of-water tale that cleverly subverts expectations. As Barbie confronts the harsh realities of our world, including misogyny, unrealistic beauty standards, and the complexities of human relationships, she begins to question her purpose and identity. Meanwhile, Ken discovers a patriarchal paradise in the real world, leading to hilarious and thought-provoking consequences when he attempts to bring these ideas back to Barbie Land.
What Works: A Technicolor Triumph
Visually Stunning and Meticulously Crafted
From the moment the film begins, viewers are transported into a visually spectacular world. Production designer Sarah Greenwood and costume designer Jacqueline Durran have outdone themselves, creating a Barbie Land that’s both nostalgic and fresh. The attention to detail is astounding, from the perfectly painted sets to the diverse array of Barbie and Ken dolls that populate this plastic paradise.
Sharp, Witty Screenplay
Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s screenplay is a masterclass in balancing humor, heart, and social commentary. The dialogue crackles with wit, delivering laugh-out-loud moments alongside poignant observations about gender dynamics, corporate culture, and the nature of humanity. It’s rare to find a film that can make you chuckle at a silly pun one moment and ponder deep philosophical questions the next.
Stellar Performances
Margot Robbie shines as Barbie, bringing depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Her journey from blissful ignorance to self-awareness is both hilarious and touching. Ryan Gosling steals every scene he’s in as Ken, fully committing to the character’s himbo charm and later, his misguided embrace of toxic masculinity. The supporting cast, including Will Ferrell as the Mattel CEO and America Ferrera as a real-world mom, all bring their A-game, creating a rich tapestry of performances.
What Doesn’t Work: Minor Wrinkles in the Plastic
Pacing Issues
While the film maintains a brisk pace for the most part, there are moments in the second act where the energy dips slightly. Some viewers might find certain scenes in the real world drag on longer than necessary, potentially disrupting the overall flow of the narrative.
Overwhelming for Some
The sheer amount of visual stimuli, pop culture references, and meta-commentary might be overwhelming for some viewers. Those expecting a straightforward comedy may find themselves unprepared for the film’s more cerebral moments and social critiques.
Technical Aspects: A Cinematic Dollhouse
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto brings Barbie Land to life with vibrant colors and clever framing that emphasizes the artificial nature of this world. The transition to the real world is handled beautifully, with a noticeable shift in color
Leave a Reply