Pros: From the beginning, a clear but unique take on 2001: A Space Odyssey, this film was going to be something else and it was. From the pink and crystal clear world of Barbieland to the shockingly different real world, this film covers a lot of material and while it is wildly funny, there are plenty of serious parts that cause you to think and feel, which was the film's clear intent. Margot Robbie is brilliant as stereotypical Barbie (yes, basically all of the women in Barbieland are named Barbie) save for the pregnant Midge (Emerald Fennell) and Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon) and all the men are named Ken, except for Alan (Michael Cera), who is Ken's discontinued friend. Likewise, Midge was also discontinued.
The film kicks in gear when Barbie starts to question her basic existence and then enters the real world to right the world only to have everything go completely awry. Ken (Ryan Gosling) comes with her and they both discover how different the real world is. It empowers Ken and saddens Barbie and when she returns to Barbieland with Mattel employee, Gloria (the brilliant America Ferrara) and her sullen tween daughter, Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) in tow, the world is upside down, with the men in charge and the place basically an old Western film. Women have been stripped of their power and seem thrilled. Fortunately, thanks to Gloria's empowering speech which highlights have difficult the world is for women to navigate, especially after having children, the women spring to life and take back their power, but at least they're willing to compromise and give men some smaller roles in government. And Barbie decides to enter and stay in the real world just so she can have an ending even if she doesn't know what it will be, forcing us to think about what is actually better, finally living a life even if it is unpredictable, filled with ups and downs, good and bad or choosing the simple and predictable, knowing you're secure in your future.
Cons: Despite the comedic efforts and great cast, it is confusing that most of the characters have the same name and there is a great cast but with so many characters, it is hard to differentiate them which is unfortunate. And while the last line is hilarious, it is also open-ended and I would have liked to know far more about Barbie's new life in the real world. Hopefully, there are some deleted scenes to fill in the blanks.
Recommend: Yes, absolutely, 100%
Grade: A-
Side Notes:
-The supporting is great and Simu Liu should have gotten higher billing. There's Helen Mirren as the narrator, and then smaller roles and cameos from Dua Lipa, John Cena, Alexandra Shipp, Issa Rae (as Madam President), Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rhea Perlman, Emma Mackay and Will Ferrell.
-Barbieland is bizarre as there are no actual liquids or stairs, you just float from one floor to another.
-Ken's role is simply beach.
-You almost feel sorry for Ken as he needs Barbie's attention to live and have a purpose. Hopefully, he does better.
-No one kisses throughout the course of this film. While it was good that Barbie and Ken don't end up together, it was also a missed opportunity.
-There are a few great musical numbers.
-Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach hit a home run with this screenplay.
-I am completely willing to start America Ferrara's campaign for Best Supporting Actress for all the awards.
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