This Barbie review may contain minor spoilers.
It’s no wonder that Barbie‘s PG-13 rating (12A in the UK) is taking would-be viewers by surprise. Many would expect that the movie, based on Mattel’s iconic fashion dolls of the same name, would be an out-and-out kids’ flick. In the late 2000s or early 2010s, that certainly would’ve been the case. But Barbie lands at a time when the cultural impact of the doll has been examined and reexamined (for better or worse) under the microscope of modern sensibilities and fourth-wave feminism. Consequently, Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach have chosen to deploy Barbie as a witty rumination on gender roles, the patriarchy, and the surprising idea that Mattel’s attempts at inclusivity and diversity don’t actually solve all the world’s problems.
While much of Barbie‘s social commentary is very on-the-nose – complete with dialogue routinely spouted by twenty-somethings on university campuses around the western world – it is hard to argue that its introspection isn’t entirely spot on. Let’s face it, this is a movie produced for an unquestionably capitalistic reason: to sell toys and associated merchandise. And I have no doubt that swathes of movie-inspired dolls and “I am Kenough” hoodies will be sold to that end. But Barbie is such a well-made film that I didn’t really care. Ultimately, I left the theatre thinking more about what it had to say than about the fact I’d just watched one of the most incredibly effective pieces of corporate PR in history. Mattel must be thrilled.
Those who didn’t want their Barbie movie crammed full of social commentary might be somewhat deflated by the constant reflection on gender roles. However, there is a lot more to enjoy about the film. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are fantastic in their roles as Barbie and Ken. Its humour – aided by Robbie and Gosling’s excellent chemistry and comedic delivery – help to undercut some of Barbie‘s more serious themes, even if much of it is written for adults rather than children.
What stuck out to me is that it feels very much like it was made for culturally aware adults who *used* to play with Barbie dolls. Don’t get me wrong, however, the fantastical plastic world of Barbieland and some of the movie’s more PG-friendly elements will almost certainly enchant kids and leave them satisfied. But its adult-centric core could spark more than a few awkward questions.
Barbie does suffer from being a touch too long. Fifteen minutes less of the over-literal social commentary would have helped cut out the bloat that leaves a few of the film’s lengthier scenes feeling flat. Nevertheless, as a 29-year-old man, I did not expect to enjoy the Barbie movie as much as I did – and I have absolutely zero shame in recommending it to men, women, and children alike.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10
Do you agree with our Barbie review? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other reviews…
