Barbie Review

By Robert Ernest (@thatRobster | www.xgeeks.co.uk)

This review is spoiler-free.

Who would have thought a film about Barbie would be one of 2023’s most anticipated releases, but here we are! Greta Gerwig celebrates the impact and influence the iconic doll has had on culture since her first appearance in 1959 with plenty of laughs and a meaningful story all presented in a box of beautiful performances.

Margot Robbie’s ‘stereotypical’ Barbie wakes up every morning to the dulcet tones of Lizzo (I can’t think of any way I’d rather wake up) and routinely washes, dresses and has breakfast before going about her day. All until her sudden questioning about death send her on a spiral and journey of self-discovery.

She is surrounded by many other Barbie’s who all are renowned for their particular skill set. I could spend forever talking about why I enjoyed each one. Emma Mackey, Alexandra Shipp, Kate McKinnon, Hari Nef and Sharon Rooney all have their moment, but Issa Rae’s ‘President’ Barbie was particularly fabulous and she gave an incredible line towards the end of the film which was brilliantly delivered.

The Kens of Barbieland took a back seat to a rich culture of feminism and were a lot of fun. Ncuti Gatwa, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Scott Evans are enjoyable to watch and Simu Liu is fantastic. However, it’s Ryan Gosling who stands out. In fact, it’s paradoxical that in a film all about female empowerment, it just so happens to be a male who steals the show. Gosling’s performance is inspired. Every line, every movement is so clearly thought out. He is pure tongue-in-cheek hilarity at genius levels. I couldn’t get Kenough of him.

This has a different tone from other films where cartoon characters or toys are brought out into the real world. Barbie’s journey allows her to find the beauty in imperfection and there are comedic moments in her interactions with men on the beach as well as a group of builders. Still, there’s also a really touching interaction between her and an elderly lady at a bus stop. Ken’s discovery of how men are inherently privileged in the real world is pivotal and provides some political substance as Gerwig explores ‘patriarchy’ when misogyny takes over. This part of the plot introduces Gloria (America Ferrera) and Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) who add some grounding to the film as a mother and daughter struggling to find common ground in their relationship. Gloria gives a speech which inspires the Barbies but I can also imagine so many viewers taking strength from it.

I’m sure there will be people who will look down on Barbie. Is it groundbreaking? Is it going to change the world? Well, no. But it is heaps of fun and full to the brim of laugh-out-loud moments and one-liners, stunning pop art-styled backdrops and wonderfully joyful performances from its cast. Not to mention a bop-full soundtrack and some amazing musical performances from Robbie and Gosling during the film.

Barbie will appeal to anyone and everyone and acts as another reminder that it’s good to just kick back and have fun.