Barbie

A fascinating, meaningful women’s film that all men should enjoy.

This is a brilliant film that serves as a commentary on the role of women in a man’s world. There is a reason why no female director before Greta Gerwig had a better Box Office first weekend.

To begin with Barbie has Oscar nominations stamped all over it. First, the music and special effects have likely artistic recognition waiting in the wings. However, the outlandishly fun performances of Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling dominate the film.

Maybe the most beautiful actress working today, this film is icing on her acting cake following her roles in Bombshell (2019), Birds of Prey (2020), and Amsterdam (2022). As for Mr. Gosling, his performance is every bit as creative as seen in La La Land (2016).

And while there are some great supporting performances, Kate McKinnon is funny beyond words as Weird Barbie, and ally of our stars. Her hair alone should get her a supporting actress nod.

Barbie and Ken live in the female dominating world of Barbie Land. Everything is artificial by design. Water doesn’t flow, food is not eaten, and ocean waves don’t move. Afterall, they are adult dolls.

However, their lives turn upside down when they visit the real world.

Barbie discovers a world dominated by men. It is best represented by Will Ferrell, who leads an all-male board as the CEO of Mattel, the maker of the Barbie Doll. He just wants her to return to her box so men can be relieved of the turmoil she has created.

With the help of Gloria and her daughter Sasha, memorably played by America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt, Barbie flees back to her treasured land. However, she is shocked to discover that Ken has reconstructed it as Ken Land where women have become second class citizens.

In the process, the rest of the film centers on her attempt to throw the men overboard and re-establish Barbie Land. Every scene will likely have you smiling as you suppress laughter.

There is a reason why ridiculous conservative Republicans like Senator Ted Cruz hate this film. For example, no woman has been President of our country and they want to keep it that way. What is equally appalling is that Florida Governor DeSantis wants all of us to remember how African Americans benefited from slavery.

Regardless of the criticism, this lovely film will touch your heart. Go buy some roller skates and pretend to blast down a street with the talented Ms. Robbie.

(Spoiler Alert) Then remember the ending. Barbie is confronted by the spirit of Ruth Handler, the creator of the Barbie Doll. Rhea Perlman, playing Ms. Handler, brings you close to tears as she comforts the human doll with the legendary advice, “We mothers stand still so our daughters can look back to see how far they have come.” She then holds Barbie’s hand as she enters the Land of the living as “Barbara”.

Now go buy a ticket!