Barbie 2023
Everybody knows about Barbie, but the level of experience varies greatly and I am at the very low end of that range. Seeing the variety of dolls, clothes, and accessories brought to life does nothing for me. I went to this movie because it has gotten surprisingly good reviews. The movie has to walk a fine line between celebrating Barbie and taking a hard look at Barbie's effects on body image, sexualization, and wanton consumerism. It does that about as well as it could and comes up with some decent observations and messages, but it still felt pretty empty for me, without a cohesive point of view or message. It feels like a movie that thinks it is sharper and wittier than it actually is. Watching the previews I didn't think either Ryan Gosling or Margot Robbie really captured Ken and Barbie and while they both do good jobs, I still feel like they look a little too old for the parts, not that Gosling isn't totally ripped for his beach duties. The movie is mostly fun, with some decent messages, but I thought it was just okay, so I am giving it a B.
Written: 01 Aug 2023