Barbie, a live-action film starring Margot Robbie, has finally hit theaters. The film has been met with mixed reviews, on Robbie’s performance and others finding the film to be too predictable and heavy-handed.
In this blog post, we’ve provided a more in-depth Barbie review, the characters and their roles as well as the film’s message about female empowerment.
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Barbie Review
Greta Gerwig’s pink-hued live-action film of this popular billion-selling toy line is an interesting satire that carefully explores sexual and relationship dynamics.
The film is about a utopian fantasy doll who gets to know what being a woman is like in the real world. There’s a whole lot of humor, epic dance scenes, and patriarchal norms. Ryan Gosling stars as Barbie’s wannabe boyfriend. The main conflict is between Barbie and her rival, Raquelle.
And then there’s Ken portraying his six-pack that will make you roll in the aisles. In the end, both Barbie and her wannabe boyfriend achieve self-realization on their ultimate journey of finding fulfillment.
Heyday Films are currently producing Barbie along with NB/GG Pictures, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Mattel Films. It will be released on 21st July by Warner Bros.
Margot Robbie Plays the Role of Barbie
Margot Robbie will star as Barbie in the live-action film directed by Greta Gerwig. The film is scheduled to be released in July 2023.
Robbie is no stranger to playing iconic characters, having previously portrayed Harley Quinn in the DC Extended Universe films. She is also a producer on the Barbie film, and she has said that she is excited to “explore the idea of what it means to be Barbie”.
Margot Robbie’s performance as Barbie is charming and relatable. Robbie brings a sense of warmth and humor to the role, and she makes Barbie feel like a real person. She also does a great job of balancing Barbie’s ditziness with her intelligence and ambition.
The film’s plot is still under wraps, but it is rumored to be a coming-of-age story that follows Barbie as she leaves her perfect life in Barbie Land to explore the real world.
Ryan Gosling as Ken
Ryan Gosling has been cast as Ken in the upcoming live-action Barbie movie. He was photographed on set in April 2023 sporting a bleached blonde Ken-esque haircut and a variety of looks inspired by the iconic Mattel doll.
Gosling is a well-known and respected actor, and his casting as Ken has been met with excitement from fans. He is known for his roles in films such as Drive, La La Land, and Blade Runner 2049, and he is sure to bring his unique charisma and talent to the role.
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Ryan Gosling has great chemistry with Robbie. Other standouts include Simu Liu, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell.
Infact, The film’s production values are top-notch. Besides the film being beautifully shot, and the stunning sets, the costumes are also amazing, and they perfectly capture the Barbie aesthetic.
Some Weaknesses in the Barbie Live-action Movie
One obvious weakness is that the film’s plot is a bit predictable. The film follows a fairly standard coming-of-age story, and there are a few twists that are easy to see coming.
The film’s humor too doesn’t always land. Some of the jokes fall flat, and the film’s tone can be a bit inconsistent.
Barbie and Female Empowerment
One of the most notable aspects of Barbie is its message about female empowerment. Barbie is depicted as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. She is also shown as a role model for young girls, and she teaches them that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
But, some critics have argued that the film’s message about female empowerment is too heavy-handed. According to them, it is often delivered in a way that feels preachy and condescending.
Barbie and the Debate Over Gender Roles
Barbie has also sparked a debate about gender roles. Some viewers argue that the film reinforces traditional gender stereotypes, while others argue that it challenges them.
The film does feature some traditional gender stereotypes. For example, Barbie is shown as being more interested in fashion and beauty than Ken, who is shown as being more interested in sports and cars.
And also, there are challenges to some traditional gender stereotypes. Barbie is portrayed as a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. Ken is otherwise quite sensitive and caring, which are not traditionally masculine traits.
Conclusion
Barbie is a fun and entertaining film with a message about female empowerment, but it is also a film that is not afraid to challenge traditional gender stereotypes.
