Movie Review: Barbie

I've been wondering whether to do this review or not because the love and hate it has received is both admirable and concerning, but after much deliberation, I'll do it.

From the very first day I heard about the movie, I came up with so many ideas. One of which was that it was a live action take on Barbie. But then, which Barbie? We have thousands of Barbie’s so which would be worth adapting?
Would it be Barbie and the 12 Dancing Princesses (my favourite and in my opinion the best Barbie ever)? Barbie Mariposa? Barbie in the Princess and the Pauper?

The trailers released did nothing to help with my guesses and I had to wait until I saw the movie and I was shocked. None of my guesses were even remotely close to the plot but despite this, I stayed till the end.

Quick Recap

Stereotypical Barbie has a relapse as she questions herself and place in the Barbie universe. Her quest for answers leads her to the human world where she bonds with her human owner who has also been going through some dark phases in her life. Together, they fight to give Barbie a life while finding themselves in the process.

The Plot

Before you say anything, I know. It's a movie about a human doll finding her purpose. But Greta used the doll as a representation of anyone trying to figure out where they belong and the role they play in life. When you're “ordinary” you feel out of place. There's none like you, but what does your existence even mean?

I looked beyond the idea of Barbie and focused on just this story. It was fun and witty and dramatic and very unusual but it was impactful.

The pairing with Ken doll and his ego in wanting to be the Ken and not a Ken was also impressive. His need to be seen and the relationship that he is Kenough.

Casting

Media has it that the lead female role had been offered to other actresses like Gal Gadot and Amy Schumer but ultimately it came to Margot Robbie. What I can’t wrap my head around is why they didn’t just go to her first? Look at her. Margot is the perfect Barbie as she proved in the movie.

I understand they would have wanted Amy because she's on the bigger side and maybe it would have shown how “inclusive” they were, but come on. Barbie is a svelte doll. She does come in different skin tones but still the same size.

Ryan Gosling as Ken was a welcome surprise. He's shown he can be goofy, as seen in The Nice Guys and Crazy Stupid Love, but he was impressive in his take on Ken. From the dancing, to the blatant annoying ego to the acting. He was an awesome Ken and one I didn't think we would even need.
Sublime!

Aside from the lead actors, the supporting cast were amazing: America Ferrera, Will Ferrel, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae and a host of others.

Side Thought:

Did you all notice that since the internet kept bringing up Margot’s doppelgangers, they now show up in movies alongside her. In Babylon, they include Samara Weaving. In Barbie, the included Emma Mackey (Sex Education).

“I’m not beautiful anymore.”

The breaking of the fourth wall which is where the narrator breaks into the movie giving her opinion was spot on and funny, too. But apart from the humour, I found myself feeling bad for her. Imagine going on a trip to fix yourself and you return to find that you’re now homeless and friendless, also clothless. It would be too much for anyone to handle so, her breaking into tears was relatable.

The very first time I watched it— I say so because I've seen it more than once — I told my female friends I wouldn't recommend it to my male friends. I was sure they would stone me rotten apples if I did.

But, many guys have seen the movie and while some dislike it, others actually enjoyed it.

The Songs

All songs were a hit but the song that had me thinking about my life was What Was I Made For by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS. Not surprising it won an Oscar and swiped so many other awards during award season. There was a sense of realisation and deep solemnization with the song, and where it was used. Using that song at the moment where Barbie asked to be human and be more than just a doll was…was… ethereal.

My Thoughts

I liked the movie and also know that it’s not for everyone. But its billion dollars box office success has me wondering. If people hated it so much, who was bringing in the tickets? The producers knew that they had to make it work and pumped in a lot especially for marketing. Come on already! The Google pages for Ryan and Margot turned pink and had sprinkles during the Barbie premier. The merchandise, marketing, social media campaigns, etc., were worth every penny.

Oscar Snob

I normally don’t do award reviews, but the “conspiracy” surrounding its Best Director Oscar snob was a lot.

One party argued that the box office record should have automatically pushed Greta into the nomination poll. This same party went on to point out how the Academy was lending credence to the message of the movie, proving that once again, it's a man's world.

Another party was of the opinion that the box office numbers have nothing to do with the Academy nominations and that the movie wasn’t all that in the first place.

Some posited that despite being a good watch with a relatively low rewatch value that it wasn't that big of a deal and that it had nothing to do with the director being a female.

What did I think?

Christopher Nolan won his first Oscar quite recently (I’ll get into details with Oppenheimer’s review) and people were astounded that someone with such masterpieces in his repertoire didn’t have the award lined up at home.

The Academy is sometimes unpredictable in its nominations and awards. (A case of this could be noticed during the nomination of Banshees of Inisherin). Everyone thought it would at least sweep home four awards but it fared really badly.

Greta didn’t bother herself so much. Ryan was nominated, yes. But even he didn’t think he would win. The movie didn’t entirely go home empty at the Oscars and it’s a win-win for all involved. The cast enjoyed themselves. The movie did exceptionally well and the message was sent.

In my books, that's a win. Academy or no Academy.