Barbie

Each person is unique and Film Barbie is the biggest. For some time I didn't know if all the components could fit together, and truth be told, I hesitated if they would at least be able to fit in some way. But the plan worked out, and the combination of satire, musical, family drama, commentary, and the craziest comedy can work as a summer spectacle and as a topic for endless conversation. And it doesn't matter that it's drenched in three layers of pink absurdity. (08/13/2023)

I didn't fall for it. At its very core, Barbie is as shallow and superficial as what it mocks all along. I can totally see the brainstorming sessions between the Mattel and Warner Brothers executives, in roundtables similar to the one Will Ferrell had in the film: "Hey, we need to boost the sales of our rubber dolls, how about we make some seemingly socially critical pulp fiction, wrap it in basic lessons about the workings of the patriarchy and the status of women in society, and just take a little dig at our corporation on the side to make it look self-aware to the naysayers of our product line.... ". Well, what comes out of a corporation making fun of corporatist? Yes, just corporate toothless humor, created on commission, and made to answer to those at the top who pay for it. PS: I'll slap two stars, for the opening (really funny) reminiscence of A Space Odyssey and then for the brief scene where Margot tells a naturally aged woman that she's beautiful. That's what the Botox princesses, led by Nicole Kidman, should be playing in a loop to light up their barbie heads. (12/13/2023)

Definitely a Meta film, a great financial success, playful and clever filmmaking, with an excellent Robbie and Gosling, great dance numbers and songs, good philosophical musings to ponder, enjoyable cameos and an originally conceived world. A few things are annoying and cringeworthy, but I surprisingly enjoyed it. The best part is definitely Barbie's trip to our world – it's a shame they don’t spend more time, as there were a few humorous interludes – but the patriarchy in Barbie's world had its moments too. Hard to rate, I don't need to see it again, but it entertained me. 65% (09/26/2023)

The Barbie movie stands out with a unique touch, thanks to its clever screenplay that humorously critiques contemporary society. It mocks and criticizes, trying to be oh-so-clever, but ultimately, it doesn’t reveal anything groundbreaking. Without Ken, it wouldn't be nearly as entertaining. Margot Robbie as Barbie is fine, but Ryan Gosling steals the show. He completely lets loose and makes the film. You probably need to have a real fondness for Barbie to truly appreciate this film. It's a bit too colorful and kitschy for my taste, though I do appreciate the director's creativity and boldness. Not everyone in Hollywood has the guts to pull off something this zany. (12/16/2023)

In terms of experience, it’s five stars. It's a riveting, visually stunning, imaginative, fun ride with a fabulous Margot Robbie and an even more fabulous Ryan Gosling. It's a pleasure to see a big-budget film that totally breaks away from the uniform grey that blockbuster Hollywood usually offers today. But the voice of reason complains timidly about the script's underdeveloped supporting (human) characters and the sometimes annoyingly literal feminist cannonade in the final act, when it seems as if they wanted every argument they could think of to be heard. So, four stars. (07/19/2023)