Directed by Greta Gerwig
Written by Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach
Based on Barbie by Matell
Starring Margot Robbie & Ryan Gosling
With America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Ariana Greenblatt, Issa Rae, Simu Liu, Rhea Perlman, Helen Mirren, & Will Ferrell
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Running Time: 1hr 54min
Rating: PG13
Barbie (Robbie) goes on a journey of self discovery from Barbieland to the human world after experiencing an existential crisis. She’s accompanied by Ken (Gosling), who feels no self worth when Barbie isn’t around. Both learn the real world is very different from what they’ve been led to believe.
The film premiered at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on July 9, 2023, and was theatrically released in the United States on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures. Its simultaneous release with Christopher Nolan’s biographical thriller Oppenheimer gave rise to the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon and drove audiences to see both films as a double feature. The film received praise for its direction, production design, costumes, music, and performances, particularly Robbie’s and Gosling’s.
We all know Barbie, she’s a bonafide pop culture icon. If you grew up with one or more sisters, chances are they had at least one. It’s no surprise that some movie studios would wanna try and make a live action movie based on the extremely popular doll. Seems like a guaranteed blockbuster. There have of course been some animated movies over the years (not sure how many had theatrical releases), but those aren’t typically as profitable compared to live action.
I wasn’t surprised that one was getting made, but I was very surprised by the people behind it. Greta Gerwig at this point was primarily known for indie films (in front of and behind the camera), same goes for co-writer Noah Baumbach. This was a pairing that definitely gave me the impression that some genuine substance could be added to this popular but divisive character. I’m also a fan of much of the cast involved, particularly Robbie and Gosling, both of whom have shown off their acting abilities in multiple genres.
This movie turned out way better than I expected. This could’ve easily just been a dopey comedy (there are moments where it intentionally is), but this goes above and beyond to discuss topics like the meaning of one’s existence, gender politics, beauty standards, and just a want for seemingly simpler times in your life.
The casting for this is pitch perfect all around. Robbie and Gosling have terrific chemistry, plus they both have great comedic timing. The rest of the cast does a great job delivering some silly lines with conviction, but there’s also some very sincere dialogue sprinkled throughout.
I also love the cinematography! We start off with a lot of bright colors as you’d expect with Barbieland, but then we get to the real world where things start to mute slightly as Barbie discovers how it really works there.
Absolutely you should see this movie!
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