Barbie movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (2024)

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Barbie movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (1)

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"Barbie,"director and co-writer Greta Gerwig’s summer splash, is a dazzling achievement, both technically and in tone. It’s a visual feast that succeeds as both a gleeful escape and a battle cry. So crammed with impeccable attention to detail is "Barbie” that you couldn’t possibly catch it all in a single sitting; you’d have to devote an entire viewing just to the accessories, for example. The costume design (led by two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran) and production design (led by six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood) are constantly clever and colorful, befitting the ever-evolving icon, and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto (a three-time Oscar nominee) gives everything a glossy gleam. It’s not just that Gerwig & Co. have recreated a bunch of Barbies from throughout her decades-long history, outfitted them with a variety of clothing and hairstyles, and placed them in pristine dream houses. It’s that they’ve brought these figures to life with infectious energy and a knowing wink.

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“Barbie” can be hysterically funny, with giant laugh-out-loud moments generously scattered throughout. They come from the insularity of an idyllic, pink-hued realm and the physical comedy of fish-out-of-water moments and choice pop culture references as the outside world increasingly encroaches. But because the marketing campaign has been so clever and so ubiquitous, you may discover that you’ve already seen a fair amount of the movie’s inspired moments, such as the “2001: A Space Odyssey” homage and Ken’s self-pitying ‘80s power ballad. Such is the anticipation industrial complex.

And so you probably already know the basic plot: Barbie (Margot Robbie), the most popular of all the Barbies in Barbieland, begins experiencing an existential crisis. She must travel to the human world in order to understand herself and discover her true purpose. Her kinda-sorta boyfriend, Ken (Ryan Gosling), comes along for the ride because his own existence depends on Barbie acknowledging him. Both discover harsh truths—and make new friends –along the road to enlightenment. This bleeding of stark reality into an obsessively engineered fantasy calls to mind the revelations of “The Truman Show” and “The LEGO Movie,” but through a wry prism that’s specifically Gerwig’s.

This is a movie that acknowledges Barbie’s unrealistic physical proportions—and the kinds of very real body issues they can cause in young girls—while also celebrating her role as a feminist icon. After all, there was an astronaut Barbie doll (1965) before there was an actual woman in NASA’s astronaut corps (1978), an achievement “Barbie” commemorates by showing two suited-up women high-fiving each other among the stars, with Robbie’s Earth-bound Barbie saluting them with a sunny, “Yay, space!” This is also a movie in which Mattel (the doll’s manufacturer) and Warner Bros. (the film’s distributor) at least create the appearance that they’re in on the surprisingly pointed jokes at their expense. Mattel headquarters features a spacious, top-floor conference room populated solely by men with a heart-shaped, “Dr. Strangelove”-inspired lamp hovering over the table, yet Will Ferrell’s CEO insists his company’s “gender-neutral bathrooms up the wazoo” are evidence of diversity. It's a neat trick.

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As the film's star, Margot Robbie finds just the right balance between satire and sincerity. She’stheperfect casting choice; it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed stunner completely looks the part, of course, but she also radiates the kind of unflagging, exaggerated optimism required for this heightened, candy-coated world. Later, as Barbie’s understanding expands, Robbie masterfully handles the more complicated dialogue by Gerwig and her co-writer and frequent collaborator, filmmaker Noah Baumbach. From a blinding smile to a single tear and every emotion in between, Robbie finds the ideal energy and tone throughout. Her performance is a joy to behold.

And yet, Ryan Gosling is a consistent scene-stealer as he revels in Ken’s himbo frailty. He goes from Barbie’s needy beau to a swaggering, macho doofus as he throws himself headlong into how he thinks a real man should behave. (Viewers familiar with Los Angeles geography will particularly get a kick out of the places that provide his inspiration.) Gosling sells his square-jawed character’s earnestness and gets to tap into his “All New Mickey Mouse Club” musical theater roots simultaneously. He’s a total hoot.

Within the film’s enormous ensemble—where the women are all Barbies and the men are all Kens, with a couple of exceptions—there are several standouts. They include a gonzo Kate McKinnon as the so-called “Weird Barbie” who places Robbie’s character on her path; Issa Rae as the no-nonsense President Barbie; Alexandra Shipp as a kind and capable Doctor Barbie; Simu Liu as the trash-talking Ken who torments Gosling’s Ken; and America Ferrera in a crucial role as a Mattel employee. And we can’t forget Michael Cera as the one Allan, bumbling awkwardly in a sea of hunky Kens—although everyone else forgets Allan.

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But while “Barbie” is wildly ambitious in an exciting way, it’s also frustratingly uneven at times. After coming on strong with wave after wave of zippy hilarity, the film drags in the middle as it presents its more serious themes. It’s impossible not to admire how Gerwig is taking a big swing with heady notions during the mindless blockbuster season, but she offers so many that the movie sometimes stops in its propulsive tracks to explain itself to us—and then explain those points again and again. The breezy, satirical edge she established off the top was actually a more effective method of conveying her ideas about the perils of toxic masculinity and entitlement and the power of female confidence and collaboration.

One character delivers a lengthy, third-act speech about the conundrum of being a woman and the contradictory standards to which society holds us. The middle-aged mom in me was nodding throughout in agreement, feeling seen and understood, as if this person knew me and was speaking directly to me. But the longtime film critic in me found this moment a preachy momentum killer—too heavy-handed, too on-the-nose, despite its many insights.

Still, if such a crowd-pleasing extravaganza can also offer some fodder for thoughtful conversations afterward, it’s accomplished several goals simultaneously. It’s like sneaking spinach into your kid’s brownies—or, in this case, blondies.

Available in theaters on July 21st.

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Film Credits

Barbie movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (9)

Barbie (2023)

Rated PG-13for suggestive references and brief language.

114 minutes

Cast

Margot Robbieas Barbie

Ryan Goslingas Ken

America Ferreraas Gloria

Will Ferrellas Mattel CEO

Kate McKinnonas Weird Barbie

Ariana Greenblattas Sasha

Issa Raeas President Barbie

Rhea Perlmanas Ruth Handler

Hari Nefas Doctor Barbie

Emma Mackeyas Physicist Barbie

Alexandra Shippas Writer Barbie

Michael Ceraas Allan

Helen Mirrenas Narrator

Simu Liuas Ken

Dua Lipaas Mermaid Barbie

John Cenaas Kenmaid

Kingsley Ben-Adiras Ken

Scott Evansas Ken

Jamie Demetriouas Mattel Executive

Director

  • Greta Gerwig

Writer

  • Greta Gerwig
  • Noah Baumbach

Cinematographer

  • Rodrigo Prieto

Editor

  • Nick Houy

Composer

  • Alexandre Desplat
  • Mark Ronson

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Barbie movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert (2024)

FAQs

Barbie movie review & film summary (2023) | Roger Ebert? ›

Barbie

Barbie
Barbie is a 2023 fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the eponymous fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous animated films and specials.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Barbie_(film)
” can be hysterically funny, with giant laugh-out-loud moments generously scattered throughout. They come from the insularity of an idyllic, pink-hued realm and the physical comedy of fish-out-of-water moments and choice pop culture references as the outside world increasingly encroaches.

What is the summary of the Barbie movie? ›

What is the premise of the Barbie 2023? ›

During a dance party at her house, (Stereotypical) Barbie suddenly starts questioning her mortality. The next day, Barbie suffers an existential crisis, experiencing a series of mishaps including her perfect skin with blemishes and her arched feet going flat.

What are the reviews on the new Barbie movie? ›

Specially Ryan Gossling was sooooo good and funny, many familiar faces to spot also. And margot robbie come on... the perfect casting for Barbie. I also have to say, the way they created Barbie land was so amazing, it just makes you just want to there. I don't really have anything bad to say about this movie.

What is the point of the new Barbie movie? ›

Barbie may not truly return to her Ordinary Barbie Land World in the end, but by deciding to become human, by going on her Hero's Journey and discovering what it means to be a woman — what it means to be human — her story comes beautifully full circle.

What was the main message of the Barbie movie? ›

One of the central themes in the Barbie film is the exploration of body image and its impact on self-esteem.

What is the theme of the Barbie movie 2023? ›

Starring Margot Robbie as the title character and Ryan Gosling as Ken, the film follows them on a journey of self-discovery through Barbieland and the real world following an existential crisis. It is also a commentary regarding patriarchy and the effects of feminism.

What is the lesson of the Barbie? ›

As Barbie said, “You have to try – even if you can't make it perfect you can make it better.” So, what does this mean for you? All leadership really begins with an understanding of oneself. It's impossible to understand and motivate others if you don't understand yourself and what motivates you.

What is the central idea of the Barbie Doll? ›

"Barbie Doll" is a narrative poem written by American writer, novelist, and social activist Marge Piercy. It was published in 1971, during the time of second-wave feminism. It is often noted for its message of how a patriarchal society puts expectations and pressures on women, partly through gender role stereotyping.

What is so great about the Barbie movie? ›

The things that are good about Barbie—Robbie's buoyant, charming performance and Ryan Gosling's go-for-broke turn as perennial boyfriend Ken, as well as the gorgeous, inventive production design—end up being steamrollered by all the things this movie is trying so hard to be. Its playfulness is the arch kind.

What are critics saying about Barbie? ›

Empire said Barbie was "painfully funny", while the Independent described it as "joyous from minute to minute". But the Daily Mail called it "uneven and disjointed", while Time said it was "very pretty but not very deep".

Why Barbie is so beautiful? ›

The Barbie doll is illustrative of how human beauty has evolved and indicates elements of human form that appear beautiful. The doll emphasizes our derived evolutionary traits and, possibly, that is why the doll is perceived as attractive.

What is the storyline of the Barbie movie? ›

Such is the anticipation industrial complex. And so you probably already know the basic plot: Barbie (Margot Robbie), the most popular of all the Barbies in Barbieland, begins experiencing an existential crisis. She must travel to the human world in order to understand herself and discover her true purpose.

What is the hidden message in the Barbie movie? ›

When we look at the beginning of the film, Barbie is insecure of herself and who she is in the world. As the story continues, she begins to embrace her individuality and abilities. This sends an influential message to all audiences watching, encouraging them to be themselves, no matter what.

What is the big deal about the Barbie movie? ›

The Barbie movie stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling and it came out to the public on July 21, 2023. The overall plot is that the stereotypical Barbie that we all know and love, has an existential crisis when she realizes that not every girl in reality is happy.

What is the central idea of the Barbie doll? ›

"Barbie Doll" is a narrative poem written by American writer, novelist, and social activist Marge Piercy. It was published in 1971, during the time of second-wave feminism. It is often noted for its message of how a patriarchal society puts expectations and pressures on women, partly through gender role stereotyping.

Who is the main villain in the Barbie movie? ›

Kenneth Sean "Ken" Carson, also known as Beach Ken and Mojo Dojo Ken, is the main antagonist of the 2023 comedy-drama film Barbie. He is one of the Kens of Barbieland who has an unrequited crush on Stereotypical Barbie, the original Barbie.

What is the idea behind Barbie? ›

Since 1959, Barbie's purpose has been to inspire the limitless potential in every girl. We have always known that a small doll can make a big impact. Today we bring power to our purpose, not only as a global icon, but as an advocate for real social and environmental change.

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