Thursday, July 20, 2023
Barbie
Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach’s fantasy comedy begins with an homage to 1968’s “2001 Space Odyssey” intro, nearly a decade after the birth of the iconic Barbie doll by Mattel. This is parody of the whole Barbie image being pitched as the first adult figure doll replacing the baby dolls that came before. This is a nostalgic look back for all those going up playing with Barbies or had sisters who played with Barbies. Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) & stereotypical Ken (Ryan Gosling) live in matriarchal Barbieland where everything is pink, pastel, & plastic. Everything is just like those memories of childhood play until one day things feel different for Barbie & she goes off to the Real World to find her solution. Ken tags along & is inspired to introduce a patriarchal system to Barbieland. Thus begins a battle of the sexes. This film explores the good & the bad issues of such an iconic image as it has grown over the years. It’s a fun movie but probably not quite the kids show that some parents may think it may be.
Alien gives it 3½ “Mojo Dojo Casa House” stars out of 4.
