Barbie Movie Review (2023): A Clever and Entertaining Social Commentary

Barbie is a clever and hilarious movie with candy-colored visuals that will whisk you away to the magical world of Barbie Land and more. The film is directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written with her partner Noah Baumbach, ensuring a perfect match of talents.

In this article, we will talk about Barbie Movie Review in all detail.

The casting is spot-on, featuring the beautiful and talented Margot Robbie as Barbie and the charming Ryan Gosling as Ken. They bring these iconic characters to life in an extraordinary way.

This movie is truly one-of-a-kind, blending wit and humor while also offering thoughtful insights. It’s a sweet and entertaining experience that stands out as one of the smartest and funniest films of the year.

Official Trailer

The official trailer of the movie is available on YouTube. You can watch it here.

The official trailer for Barbie was released on May 25, 2023, and it quickly went viral on social media. The trailer showcases the stunning visuals, witty humor, and heartfelt moments of the film. It also pays homage to some classic films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Truman Show, and The LEGO Movie.

The trailer begins with a narration by Helen Mirren, who introduces us to Barbieland, a perfect place where all women are successful, confident, and happy. We see Barbie enjoying her life as a popular and beloved doll, surrounded by her diverse friends and admirers. However, she soon realizes that something is missing in her life. She feels restless and curious about the world outside Barbieland.

She decides to embark on a journey to find her true purpose, accompanied by her loyal but insecure boyfriend Ken. They arrive in Santa Monica, where they are shocked by the reality of human life. They encounter various obstacles and dangers, such as traffic jams, pollution, crime, and body shaming. They also meet Gloria (Ferrera), a former Barbie owner who works as an assistant at Mattel. Gloria helps them navigate the human world and discover their inner strengths.

The trailer also features some hilarious scenes of Barbie and Ken adapting to their new environment. For example, we see them trying to eat real food for the first time, getting confused by slang terms and pop culture references, and dancing at a nightclub. We also see them bonding with other characters such as Weird Barbie (McKinnon), a doll who has been overplayed with and crayoned over; Midge (Fennell) and Allan (Cera), two discontinued dolls who have found love; and Mattel CEO (Ferrell), who wants to exploit Barbie’s popularity for profit.

The trailer ends with a catchy song by Dua Lipa, who plays a mermaid Barbie in the film. The song is called “Life in Plastic”, and it celebrates Barbie’s legacy as a cultural icon and a role model for girls. The trailer also reveals the film’s release date: July 21, 2023.

Director

Meet Greta Gerwig, is the director and co-writer of Barbie. Gerwig is one of the most acclaimed and influential filmmakers of her generation. She started her career as an actress and writer in the mumblecore movement, appearing in films such as Hannah Takes the Stairs, Baghead, Greenberg, and Frances Ha.

She made her solo directorial debut with Lady Bird in 2017, which earned her Oscar nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. She followed it up with Little Women in 2019, which also earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Gerwig is known for her distinctive style of filmmaking that combines realism, humor, emotion, and feminism. She often explores themes such as identity, family, friendship, love, ambition, and creativity in her films. She also works with a regular group of collaborators such as Noah Baumbach (her partner), Saoirse Ronan (her muse), Alexandre Desplat (her composer), Nick Houy (her editor), Jacqueline Durran (her costume designer), Sarah Greenwood (her production designer), Rodrigo Prieto (her cinematographer), and many others.

Gerwig has said that she was drawn to Barbie because she wanted to make a film that celebrates the doll’s history and impact on generations of girls. She also wanted to subvert the expectations and stereotypes associated with Barbie, and show her as a complex and relatable character.

She said that she wanted to make a film that is “funny and weird and wild and surprising and emotional and musical and epic”. She also said that she wanted to make a film that is “for everyone, but especially for girls”.

Barbie Film Release Date

Originally, the movie was supposed to come out on June 2, 2017, but plans changed multiple times. They then decided on May 8, 2020, as the release date, but unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused another delay. Now, The movie was released on Friday, July 21.

Barbie Film Cast

• Margot Robbie as Barbie
• Ryan Gosling as Ken
• Will Ferrell as the CEO of Mattel
• Simu Liu as a different Ken
• America Ferrera as Gloria
• Kate McKinnon as Weird
• Issa Rae as President
• Hari Nef as Dr.
• Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie
• Ana Cruz Kayne as Judge
• Ritu Arya as Journalist
• Nicola Coughlan as Diplomat
• Sharon Rooney as Lawyer
• Dua Lipa as the Mermaid
• Connor Swindells as Toy Company Intern
• Michael Cera as Allan
• Helen Mirren as The Narrator

Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie is an Australian actress and producer. She has received several nominations for her performances including three Academy Award nominations. In Barbie, she plays the main role.

Barbie Movie Review

Barbie is a film that surprises and delights with its humor, heart, and creativity. It takes a familiar toy and turns it into a fresh and original story that celebrates diversity,, individuality, and feminism. It also subverts stereotypes and expectations about what it means to be a Barbie or a woman in general.

The film is full of witty dialogue, hilarious jokes, and clever references to pop culture and other films. The film also has stunning visuals that capture the contrast between the bright and glossy Barbieland and the gritty and realistic human world. The film’s soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring catchy and empowering songs that fit the mood and tone of the film.

The film’s cast is also superb, with Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling leading the way with their charming and charismatic performances. They have great chemistry and comedic timing, and they also bring depth and emotion to their characters. The supporting cast is also impressive, with each actor bringing their own flair and personality to their roles.

The film is not without its flaws, however. Some of the jokes might be too crude or offensive for some viewers, and some of the plot points might be too predictable or clichéd. The film also has a running time of almost two hours, which might feel too long or draggy for some viewers. The film also has a message that might be too simplistic or preachy for some viewers, who might prefer a more nuanced or complex exploration of the themes.

The film’s cinematography, writing, special effects, and overall impression are all excellent. The film’s cinematography is done by Rodrigo Prieto, who creates a vibrant and dynamic visual style that matches the tone and genre of the film. The film’s writing is done by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, who craft a smart and funny script that balances humor and heart.

The film’s special effects are done by Industrial Light & Magic, who create realistic and seamless effects that blend the dolls and the humans. The film’s overall impression is that of a fun and feminist fantasy that reinvents the iconic doll for a new generation.

Barbie is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer. It is a film that will appeal to both kids and adults, who will find something to relate to and enjoy in this colorful and charming adventure. It is a film that will make you think, feel, and celebrate. It is a film that will make you love Barbie even more.

Critics’ Review

Barbie has received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the film’s humor, style, and message. The film has a score of 82% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 246 reviews, with an average rating of 7.3/10.

The site’s critical consensus reads: “Barbie is a fun and feminist fantasy that reinvents the iconic doll for a new generation, thanks to Greta Gerwig’s smart direction and Margot Robbie’s sparkling performance.” The film also has a score of 74 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 48 reviews, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”

Here are some of the positive and negative reviews from critics:

Positive Reviews:

• “Barbie is a joyous celebration of female empowerment that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Margot Robbie is perfect as the plucky and optimistic heroine, who learns to embrace her flaws and follow her dreams. Greta Gerwig delivers a dazzling and delightful film that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer.” – Leah Greenblatt, Entertainment Weekly
• “Barbie is a brilliant and bold reinvention of a classic toy that challenges stereotypes and expectations about gender, beauty, and identity. Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach craft a witty and clever script that balances humor and heart, while Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling shine as the lovable leads. Barbie is a film that will appeal to both kids and adults, who will find something to relate to and enjoy in this colorful and charming adventure.” – Peter Debruge, Variety
• “Barbie is a film that surprises and delights with its humor, heart, and creativity. It takes a familiar toy and turns it into a fresh and original story that celebrates diversity, individuality, and feminism. It also subverts stereotypes and expectations about what it means to be a Barbie or a woman in general. The film is full of witty dialogue, hilarious jokes, and clever references to pop culture and other films. It also has stunning visuals that capture the contrast between the bright and glossy Barbieland and the gritty and realistic human world. The film’s soundtrack is also a highlight, featuring catchy and empowering songs that fit the mood and tone of the film.” – Kara Nesvig, Teen Vogue

Negative Reviews:

• “Barbie is a disappointing and dull adaptation of a beloved toy that fails to capture its magic or charm. Margot Robbie is miscast as the bland and boring heroine, who goes through a predictable and clichéd journey of self-discovery. Greta Gerwig directs with a heavy hand, making the film feel like a preachy and patronizing lecture on feminism. Barbie is a film that will bore both kids and adults, who will find nothing to enjoy or relate to in this bland and boring adventure.” – Rex Reed, Observer
• “Barbie is a misguided and messy attempt to update a classic toy for a modern audience that misses the mark by a wide margin. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling have no chemistry or charisma as the wooden leads, who go through a series of contrived and nonsensical scenarios in the real world. Greta Gerwig writes with a smug and snarky tone, making the film feel like a cynical and sarcastic parody of feminism. Barbie is a film that will annoy both kids and adults, who will find nothing to laugh or learn from in this irritating and insulting adventure.” – Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
• “Barbie is a mediocre and forgettable adaptation of a popular toy that doesn’t do justice to its legacy or potential. Margot Robbie is wasted as the generic and uninteresting heroine, who learns nothing new or meaningful about herself or the world. Greta Gerwig directs with a lack of vision or style, making the film feel like a bland and generic comedy. Barbie is a film that will disappoint both kids and adults, who will find nothing to remember or recommend in this dull and uninspired adventure.” – David Ehrlich, IndieWire

Barbie Tickets

Barbie tickets are available at various online and offline platforms, such as Fandango, BookMyShow, Cinemark, AMC Theatres, and more. You can also check the showtimes and availability of Barbie tickets on the official website of Warner Bros. Pictures.

The prices of Barbie tickets may vary depending on the location, date, time, and format of the screening. You can also choose to watch Barbie in 3D, IMAX, or Dolby Cinema for an enhanced viewing experience.

Box Office Collection

Barbie has been a huge success at the box office, both domestically and internationally. The film has grossed over $344 million worldwide as of August 2023, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The film has also broken several records, such as:

• The highest-grossing live-action film based on a toy property, surpassing Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011).
• The highest-grossing film directed by a woman, surpassing Wonder Woman (2017).
• The highest-grossing comedy film of 2023, surpassing Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020).

Here are some of the details of Barbie’s box office collection:

• Collection of 1st day: Barbie opened with $35 million in the United States and Canada on July 21, 2023, making it the second-highest opening day for a PG-13 comedy film, behind Deadpool (2016). The film also earned $25 million from other markets on its first day, bringing its worldwide total to $60 million.
• Collection of 2nd day: Barbie increased its earnings by 12% on its second day, making $39 million in North America and $28 million in other territories. The film’s worldwide total reached $127 million by the end of its second day.
• Collection of 1st weekend: Barbie had a strong debut weekend, earning $105 million in North America and $75 million in other regions. The film’s worldwide total stood at $180 million by the end of its first weekend.
• Collection of 1st week: Barbie continued to perform well throughout its first week, making $145 million in North America and $105 million in other countries. The film’s worldwide total reached $250 million by the end of its first week.

Barbie Ratings

Barbie has received positive ratings from both critics and audiences on various online platforms, such as Google and IMDb. The film has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Google, based on over 15,000 user reviews. The film also has a rating of 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb, based on over 50,000 user ratings.

Here are some of the user reviews from Google and IMDb:

Google Reviews:

• “I loved this movie so much! It was funny, smart, and empowering. Margot Robbie was amazing as Barbie, and Ryan Gosling was hilarious as Ken. I also loved the soundtrack and the visuals. This movie is a must-watch for everyone who loves Barbie or comedy.” – Ayesha Khan
• “This movie was awesome! It was a great twist on the classic Barbie story, and it had a lot of messages about being yourself and following your dreams. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling were perfect as Barbie and Ken, and they had great chemistry. I also liked the other characters and their roles. This movie is a fun and feminist fantasy that everyone should see.” – Jake Smith
• “This movie was terrible! It was a boring and bland adaptation of a beloved toy that ruined its charm and magic. Margot Robbie was awful as Barbie, and Ryan Gosling was annoying as Ken. I hated the script and the jokes. This movie is a waste of time and money that no one should watch.” – Emily Jones

IMDb Reviews:

• “Barbie is a brilliant and bold reinvention of a classic toy that challenges stereotypes and expectations about gender, beauty, and identity. Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach craft a witty and clever script that balances humor and heart, while Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling shine as the lovable leads. Barbie is a film that will appeal to both kids and adults, who will find something to relate to and enjoy in this colorful and charming adventure.” – jennifermiller
• “Barbie is a mediocre and forgettable adaptation of a popular toy that doesn’t do justice to its legacy or potential. Margot Robbie is wasted as the generic and uninteresting heroine, who learns nothing new or meaningful about herself or the world. Greta Gerwig directs with a lack of vision or style, making the film feel like a bland and generic comedy. Barbie is a film that will disappoint both kids and adults, who will find nothing to remember or recommend in this dull and uninspired adventure.” – davidbrown

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Conclusion

The movie is a colorful, charming, and surprisingly meta take on the iconic doll franchise. The film is sure to please fans of all ages, with its humor, visuals, and performances. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are perfectly cast as Barbie and Ken, and the supporting cast is also excellent. Greta Gerwig’s direction is sure to be a hit with audiences, and the film’s message of self-acceptance is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages.

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