Review of Barbie (2023) by Bobomafo — 23 Jul 2023

This movie was everything I hoped for and more. It was fun, light, wacky, self aware, and introspective, and to do these things with such heart takes like a safecracker brand of light touch. I loved this film.

And the worst and depressingly predictable thing is the immediate hate it is getting from people who either couldn't be bothered to think about the film's point because they don't feel they should have to in a movie about one of the most mass produced toys the world has ever seen, or they DID think about it, and it made them uncomfortable verging on enraged because this movie's villain is patriarchy, and they feel attacked as a result.

The only complaint I have is that this is still the latest in a line of recent studio films that are basically long commercials celebrating consumerism masquerading as films. BUT I will forgive this one a bit; you could never adapt this script to get the film's point while avoiding the brand because Barbie's iconness as a product is part of her character.

Which means I won't be running out to buy any new or vintage licensed Barbie merch for myself, but I will feel better about when I buy it for my family members and friends' kids for Christmas. Ok maybe one NWT Barbie tee off Poshmark or eBay for me.

Or 5, we'll see what the prices with shipping look like...