Barbie

 

       

       Bizarre, surreal, and yet brilliant in its execution, Barbie is both fun and funny but definitely not for young kids. Make no mistake about it, after about the first 30 minutes in Barbieland, Barbie becomes self-aware and the film takes a very real adult turn.

       Themes of self-awareness, existentialism, hierarchical power, patriarchal vs matriarchal society as well as what defines femininity as well as masculinity flow throughout the film. Director and co-writer (along with Noah Baumbach) Greta Gerwig has found an amazing way to bring the famous doll to life in both an entertaining and yet thought provoking way.

       Margot Robbie could not be better as "stereotypical" Barbie. She not only has the perfect Barbie shape but the intelligence and emotional depth to bring the doll to life. Ryan Gosling, as "stereotypical" Ken is also perfectly cast. Not only does he have the look Ken requires but he is very funny and gets a chance to show off his singing and dancing chops.

       Co-starring as other Barbies are Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Dua Lipa, Alexandra Shipp, among others. Besides Mr. Gosling,  some of the other Kens are played by Kingsley Ben-Adir, Simu Liu, Scott Evans and John Cena. Michael Cera plays Allen, Ken’s best friend. And in the real world, America Ferrera, Arianna Greenblatt and Will Ferrell play key roles. Rhea Perlman has an important cameo and Dame Helene Mirren is the film's narrator.

       Much of the humor is self-effacing, and many of the jokes come at Mattel's expense. There are many funny lines and visual humor as well. But throughout, the film does manage to sneak in its serious themes. The set design of Barbieland is incredible and the transition technique to bring Barbie and Ken into the real world is very clever. All the visuals are eyepopping and accompanied by a terrific score and songs.

         Kudos to Ms. Gerwig for finding a perfect balance of entertainment and enlightenment.