Barbie

UK Release Date: 21 July 2023

Certification: 12A
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Michael Cera, Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Ryan Gosling, Ariana Greenblatt, Simu Liu, Emma Mackey, Kate McKinnon, Helen Mirren, Issa Rae, Margot Robbie, Alexandra Shipp

Rating: 55%

Review:

Admittedly, I'm not the target audience - I am a teenage male that can't relate to the problems of a woman in modern society - and women have gotten a lot out of the film, specifically mothers, which is great but Barbie just felt like a strange amalgamation of social commentary and product placement. When tasked with making a film on the issues of toxic masculinity and the empowerment of feminism, whether intentional or not, it is baffling that a man completely stole the show. Before the film had even been released the public were rallying for Ryan Gosling to receive an Oscar nomination at next year's Academy Awards, demanding a solo film featuring Ken. That is the complete opposite of what Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were setting out to achieve. In all honesty its probably disheartening for them to hear as they wanted to let women know that they are perfect no matter their circumstances.

Anyway, despite if they aimed to make Ryan Gosling the star or not he undoubtedly was. As many have already lauded Gosling's 'Kenergy' is off the charts. He embodies Ken spiritually with a surprising amount of influence from his previous filmography. There's a depressed undertone surrounding his portrayal of Ken evocative of K in Blade Runner 2049. Yet, a playfulness that makes him one of the best comedic actors currently working. His subtle nods and background tics paired with his comedic timing is unquestionably contagious. Gosling also ties back into his theatre roots performing both 'Push' and the show stopping phenomenon that is 'I'm Just Ken'. It's easily the best aspect of Barbie as Gosling explores the complexity of living in someone's shadow, failing to attract any sort of recognition. He put a huge grin on my face with every single facial expression and line of dialogue, absolutely loved him and to be honest I don't think the film functions without his enthusiasm. 

What perplexed me is how much of a backseat Margot Robbie takes. In terms of enjoyability Michael Cera brings more, in terms of performance America Ferrera outperforms her. Don't get me wrong, Margot Robbie is fine but as a producer she supposedly has as much creative control as Greta Gerwig. I expected a lot more nuance. 

A surprising amount of the comedy lands - most of which does come from Ryan Gosling - but I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions. There's a brilliant fourth wall break as the narrator interrupts proceedings to criticise Margot Robbie's Barbie for claiming to have lost her looks - "Note to filmmakers: Margot Robbie is not the right person to cast to make this point." But despite undoubtedly funny moments it circles back to who is the target audience? Nods to Stanley Kubrick, The Godfather and ripping apart the fanboys of Zack Snyder's Justice League (I am one of said fanboys) as well as hilarious gags hinting at masturbation and a f-bomb. It implies at a deconstruction of the male influence in cinematic culture - a topic that would appeal to me - but ultimately this is a Barbie film with young girls flocking to the cinema to see their favourite doll on the big screen. In that sense the film comes off as crude. But for anybody interested in the darker symbolism present within the film still has to sit through the on the nose messaging that lobbies for female empowerment without fail. 

The production design is top-notch. Barbieland stands out for its picturesque sets and stunning set-pieces drowned in pastel pink. The use of miniatures should be applauded as Gerwig and her team clearly paid a lot of attention to the layout and authenticity. It blends plastic scenery with live action in an effortless manner. When the film transitions to scenes in the real world it loses a little imagination and therefore engagement, but it remained impressive nonetheless. 

Loved the majority of the musical numbers. From Gosling's aforementioned priceless performances to a disco centred around Dua Lipa's 'Dance the Night'. The vibrancy of colour and inch perfect choreography is insane viewing. There are many big names attached to the soundtrack that garner more attention but both Dominic Fike's 'Hey Blondie' and HAIM's 'Home' are fantastic tracks. 

So, with one half of 'Barbenheimer' complete it's fair to say that this event is taking the cinema by storm. A screening full of pink clothes, laughs at every turn, there is undeniable fun to be had with Barbie. If the messaging had been more subdued enticing stronger emotions, then Barbie would've been one of the year's best. However, as of right now, the film is carried heavily by Ryan Gosling's charismatic performance.