Review of Barbie (2023) by Nd-Bringer — 26 Jul 2023

Having watched all the animated movies, I thought I'd take the time to see the theatrical release of Barbie's first live action film. And I've got to say, I really like the new direction they are taking with this franchise. While I usually have fun mocking the cheesiness of the old films, this was an entry I could actually take seriously for a change...for the most part. It's one of those situations where an average comedy is attached to a really powerful message. Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, has started to think about death for the first time in her life, and wonders why her feet are becoming more realistic. Weird Barbie tells her that she is responsible for making a doll owner upset. And she needs to head to the real world in order to figure out what went wrong. This is a trope I've seen before in plenty of other live action remakes of other nostalgic pop culture and I'm really glad it's not the focus of this film. Sure there are some boring human characters here and there. But fortunately, the focus of this film is never forgotten. And that focus is, taking a closer look into Barbie's signature message, "You can be anything".

Later in the film Barbie learns that she is responsible for stereotyping while attempting to empower women, and doubts herself. Wondering if she has caused more harm than good to girls across the globe. It's a message I've heard before and it's usually fixed by reinventing the character, similar to how Super Girl was seen in the past and how she is seen now in media. I was hoping they could perhaps explore that message a little more delicately than just having a group of angry teenagers shove it down our throats. But it's not the leading message of the film, so I say just save it for a sequel. As for the leading message of this film, it's realized in the third act where Ken has taken over Barbie Land, brainwashing all the dolls, and poisoning the land with stereotypical masculinity...and horses. I'll admit that second addition I'll admit is pretty funny. So it's up to Barbie and the forgettable mother and daughter pair to save everyone. Ken really works well as an antagonist, because his motivation is tied in with his lack of identity. But he takes a poor direction, taking away all the rights of the female dolls and only giving new rights to the male dolls. But after he is defeated he breaks down and learns from Barbie that he should figure how who "he is". Write his own definition. The great thing about this message is that, it's a reminder to the boys, men, and even those struggling with identity that they can choose how to live their life. Not with tradition, but rather with choice. It's okay for boys to like feminine things. It's okay for men to wear dresses if they want feel pretty. It's more than acceptable to do things women enjoy and vice versa. What matters is what you do explores a new meaning of freedom and feeling whole. And in a day an age where there are still millions of people that have yet to understand this message of being whoever you want. I say more power should go to films like this.

While the film isn't perfect, with its hit and miss comedy, its occasional lengthy exposition, a bit two much fourth wall breaking, and its forgettable human characters. The effects with how the dolls move and the messages are quite impressive. It may not be a masterpiece, but what this movie leaves its viewers with will be refreshing to look back on in the passing years. You can be anything...and you can inspire others to do the same.