The hype was huge. The film is... fine.
I think the thing to praise most of all about this is the ambition. The easy thing would have been to make the film you have in your head when you hear the phrase "Barbie movie". But Gerwig wanted to go way beyond that, to use the IP to make something meaningful that comments on the real world while still being entertaining - essentially have her cake and eat it too. I don't think it ultimately worked as well as was intended, but the pure ambition behind it and the choice of format is admirable. The production design is fantastic and probably the film's biggest achievement, there are some good performances in here, as are some clever gags in the way the film handles the different worlds.
Having said that, the actual plot and how the characters are portrayed within it just aren't up to the ambition of the movie around it. It barely follows its own logic and tends to be too cartoony in a way that actually sabotages the humor and most of the potential to get engaged with the story and characters. Sure, the movie deliberately wants to be fun and over the top in a lot of scenes, but then it also wants to be serious in others and those attempts just fall flat. You can't take most of it seriously given the way the characters act. It sometimes feels like a children's film - and not the kind adults can still watch without having to roll their eyes every five minutes - and the supporting characters aren't always handled very well. America Ferrera probably has one of the most interesting roles in the movie, but is quickly pushed to the side, and other characters also seem to only pop back into the movie when the script can think of a fun line for them. A lot of this would have been less of an issue if the humor really worked, but I rarely even chuckled and the musical moments didn't do a lot for me either. And yes, the message is delivered with a sledgehammer, but this didn't bother me as much. Gerwig's Little Women also wasn't subtle and also had both fun and seriousness, but managed to weave both sides together much more effectively, not least by portraying the characters and story in a grounded way that didn't constantly keep the viewer at a distance.
In the end, I have no real desire to watch this movie again, nor do I think I will remember much about its contents in the years to come. It's fine with some really good elements, but not much more.
Barbie is funny, campy, extravagant, sincere and emotional. Even in its comedic moments it doesn't hold back on the commentary. Sometimes subtle, sometimes in-your-face, pointing on how the world regards and frames femininity and masculinity, trying to put them in a box, but also on the urge to break out of those boxes and discover yourself beyond how you were told you should be. America Ferrera's monologue stands out among the many genuinely deep parts of the film.
A Mockery to Neo Feminism
A loud fuzz and buzz on Barbie being too woke and pro feminism before it was released.
Then when it was released, it went berserk in the beginning with neo feminists and woke activists campaigning for Barbie.
Then, it clicked. Barbie tells the reality of neo feminism and woke movement were nothing but empty promises, unbased, and have no future.
Why do you thing Mattel agreed to sponsored this film? Mattel knew.
It for sure is a movie.
Oppenheimer and Barbie truly define our time, if for no other reason than the consensus about their value is so absolute, critique feels irrelevant. As it happens I found both overlong, predictable and not nearly as sophisticated as they were purported to be. This has to be to least palatable, attractive and human way of evoking female beauty and empowerment I have ever encountered. To each their own. This was not mine at all.
I feel like this was a bad joke that went out of hands and eventually tried to be sold as a good idea. I liked the first half and then suffered the last half. The script was so good at the beginning, and then it is like they did not even know how to straighten their ideas. Margot Robbie was a great selection, but what the heck with Ryan Gosling, I mean, he seems he is participating against his will. Will Ferrell being Will Ferrell because somehow Americans like him. Production design is amazing, but that is it. I even felt it contradictory as part of a bad script.
I really hate to rate this one so low because people I respect LOVED this film. It was visually stunning. But sorry, I was only good in this world for about 10 minutes. Then I was looking for any escape.
Pink, cinematic, Chevy, complex ideas, and fully committed casts!
Film 74 (Goal: 300) of 2024
I got to be honest, I don't get the love for this film. I'm glad it succeeded because we need more variety at the box office, a box office that has been steadily declining post-COVID. But yeah... I don't get this. It was a bang average film with some really great performances from Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling - both perfectly cast. But outside of them everything just feels meh. I had trouble understanding the way the world(s) worked, the understanding of who knew about the world(s). I also didn't care for anyone outside of the two leads - especially everything with America Ferrera and her daughter, and Will Ferrell. Any time any of them were on screen, I wanted them to get back to the two leads. Maybe the two leads were just so good or the writing was so perfunctory outside of them - I don't know.
I will never not love Will Ferrell but even I can concede that he doesn't always work. And this is the case here. There's a whole subplot will Will Ferrell that hinders the film; from plot to performance to execution - none of it works. The hallway office place chase scene descends into Charlie Chaplin-esque lunacy that had me scratching my head as to why people were raving about Gerwig's direction.
It's important for cinema that Barbie did well, and I'm glad it has. But having watched the film with an open mind - I don't understand the hype behind the quality of the film, as outside production design and the performances of the two leads, there was a lot that left me scratching my head.
A very thought provoking movie, disguised as a light hearted affair. Robbie and Ferrera are just sublime, McKinnon is just perfect as she always is and the Ken's are great too. With such a powerful message and some stellar casting, it's very disappointing to not see Best Director and Best Actress not get a nod at the Oscars. Great movie, really enjoyable.
A great film, with a fun story full of references and many funny moments. It also effectively addresses the issues that women still face in society.
well, a typical FEMINIST movie... lol
Cries in "2001 a space odyssey" while Also sprach Zarathustra plays in the background…
Spiteful, sophmoric, and stupid. That is all.
I'm admittedly late to the trend and, having never seen a Greta Gerwig movie before, I can confidently say that 'Barbie' isn't my cup of tea. It's not a movie I despise, but I can't say I like it either.
Feminism is written all over the movie, you can clearly feel a lot of heart was poured into the movie especially the set design which was probably the biggest strength of the movie. The movie takes an attempt to champion feminism and ultimately ends up justifying patriarchy? Most part of the movie feels like it's patting itself on the back and tries to promote anti-capitalism by being pro-capitalistic. The feminism tropes seem like they weren't trying to be ill-intentional but often comes off a bit insincere while trying to navigate the complexities and hardships of womanhood which I know nothing of. Throughout the movie they struggle to maintain a consistent tone and the whole point of the movie looks a disjointed.
Visually, it's one of the most beautiful movies I've seen. The costumes are cool, set designs are gorgeous, and the acting performances are solid, with Ryan Gosling being my favorite among the cast. While Margot Robbie is well-cast, her performance doesn't strike me as Oscar-worthy or groundbreaking; I found her a bit stiff. On the other hand, Michael Cera as Allan was a standout.
Overall the movie tries to be full of depth and ends up being shallow and extremely plastic for me.
I’m glad I didn’t pay money to see this in theaters.
The feminist storyline is inconsistent and doesn’t work beyond a superficial joke.
The Oscar nominees have just been announced and apparently Greta and Margot have decided that they are so good that the voters should have nominated them for best actress and best director. It’s unclear which of the other nominees they think they should replace and most of the attention their whinging has received suggests that Ryan getting nominated for best supporting actor is ironic and typical of the industry. This is in spite of America Farrera being nominated for the best supporting actress award which is equal to Ryans category and the movie is nominated for best film. Greta and Margot will still get the chance to get an Oscar but in the meantime Ryan and America have to downplay their nominations instead of basking in the glow of being nominated. This is feminism?
I don't get what the hype is about. It's mediocre at best and there is nothing here. It's boring.
Like the Transformers franchise, the filmmakers seem uninterested in appealing to the core demographic that actually play with the toys and more to those who used to play with them. Nostalgia can only get you so far, and that's where the comparison thankfully ends because at least the approach here has produced a film that is funny and clever enough to both critique and celebrate the toys that are brought to life here. The film has plenty to say about feminism and masculinity in modern society, but it does so with humour and heart and never forgets to keep the focus on the characters themselves. Robbie is perfectly cast of course and both Gosling and Ferrera are standouts.
A really bad movie, I can't believe how hyped this was. Pure feminism movie through and through. Hate it.
The patriarchy is bad, but at least I’m kenough.
About what I expected it to be.. OK, but not special.
It started kinda stupid and then got better once they left Barbieland.
Was expecting more Woke stuff, but a wheelchair and fat Barbie was about it. Even that is so stupid... I've never heard of a little girl begging for an obese Barbie!
5.5/10
It was a good movie with more story than expected! Was it highest grossing movie of the year good? No. It is not something I will be watching again anytime soon. I’m still shocked they managed to get a cast as big as this for a Barbie movie!
Rating: 3/5 - 75% - Worth Watching
This is the worst movie I have watched in a long time. I turned it off about 15 minutes into it. It is not a movie for children. it's just bad.
What k8nda shit is this..... Barbi gotta fk Ken. But Jen is ki da Tran or sumshit......what da fk.....
The first half is quite enjoyable, masterfully staging such an absurd idea as a Barbie live-action with a language and tone perfect for its target audience. Granted, it's a kind of humor that is metanarrative and strictly generational, destined to age at an alarming rate. Yet, it's more than enough to crown the film as the queen of the past summer.
Unfortunately, the problems emerge once the story shifts to the real world, where the narrative tends to overload, veering into chaotic exposition and overly simplistic resolutions. The fact that the film itself invites you to "not think about the details" says a lot. Plot elements presented as potentially significant, such as the conflicted relationship between mother and daughter, or even the entire role of the president of Mattel, end up being set aside without explanations, perhaps in an attempt to make room for more discussions on patriarchy or to indulge in movie quotes and musical digressions until the very last narrative beats.
Regarding the infamous feminist overtones, I remain rather conflicted. At times, the film seems genuinely intent on taking revenge against the patriarchy, while at other times, the monologues and speeches become so didactic and heavy-handed that they almost seem self-mocking. It's as if the film’s point was not simply to condemn misogyny but rather to point the finger at the extreme currents on both sides. In the end, it's not as if the Barbies came off any better than Kens, or real-life men for that matter. It might just be a delirious overreading on my side, but the fact that the infamous monologue of the mother has alienated millions of men and brought even more women to tears would only confirm my thesis that even if "Barbie" may have proven to be superficial in multiple instances, it still showed depth that the audience it’s sardonically making fun of.
I’m at a loss as to what to rate this movie .. somewhere between fair and good but I’ll err toward good.
I’ll start off first by saying I never played with Barbie. I didn’t have a complex or anything about her I just always knew that I didn’t fit the doll-playing mould.
Performances by Margot Robbie and America Ferrara were solid. I liked Rhea Perlman though I’m not sure what the movie was trying to say by having the woman that invented Barbie, especially one that apparently had such lofty ideals about what Barbie should represent, hidden away, silenced from participating in future branding, and R&D decisions. The Will Ferrall role was just simply insulting … insulting to the corporate world and insulting to consumers everywhere. Ryan Gosling portrayed what they wanted him to. I hated the character and the idea “Kendom” not because it was patriarchal but because it was so stupidly overblown it went well beyond the other side of comical.
The statement that alternative or moody, sullen teens are like that because of what Barbie supposedly ‘unintentionally’ represented in society is absurd. In my experience girls didn’t stop playing with dolls or Barbie at and early age because she posed some threat to their views of themselves but because dolls are kid toys and kids grow up and have different interests. To suggest otherwise is taking a big leap into the void of ludicrous.
I didn’t hate it. I didn’t love it. But damn if I didn’t get a bit teary at the ending.
fecal matter can also be pink.
The first half is absolutely amazing. The sets, props, and costumes are all stunning, and the jokes are hilarious. I just don’t like the story they decided to tell. The half assed centrist feminism and focus on the Kens made me just wish the movie was over.
It started out as a film for and about women that decided to go all bUt wHaT aBoUt mEn!?
'Barbie' has more to it than I would've predicted. It's a good movie.
I steer clear of as much film promo as possible, so was kinda expecting this to be more of a 'proper' comedy - just an assumption on my part. It does have humour but it's far from the film's main thing, there are a few chucklesome moments but I found it to be more earnest than funny.
It does get a tiny bit moralistic, though undoubtedly has the right intentions and does certainly hit the nail on the head with certain points. The story itself is interesting, I like that they didn't lean deep into the usual fish out of water stuff when Barbie visits the real world. I enjoy how the world is set, with the multiple Barbies and Kens etc.
The cast are great. Margot Robbie is top notch - the perfect choice. Ryan Gosling is excellent as well, while America Ferrera, Will Ferrell and Michael Cera are positives too. Away from those onscreen, the look of the film is splendid and the soundtrack fits well - even if Charli XCX's track is the only one I'd intentionally listen to.
All in all, glad I watched this. I'd recommend it, even if my mum (who I watched this with, fwiw) wouldn't. :smile:
Barbie – A Visual Feast in a Disjointed Narrative
"Barbie", while an ambitious attempt to blend modern woke culture with nostalgic charm, ultimately stumbles in its execution, resulting in a film that shines in aesthetics but falters in substance. It's a cinematic endeavor that, despite its flaws, does have moments of brilliance, particularly in its visual presentation.
Margot Robbie's portrayal of Barbie, while confined within the film's limited narrative scope, does offer glimpses of charm and charisma. Her performance, coupled with her striking resemblance to the iconic doll, adds a layer of authenticity to the character. Robbie's efforts bring a certain depth to Barbie, hinting at potential that remains unfortunately underexplored in the film.
Ryan Gosling's Ken initially appears out of place, but his portrayal grows on the viewer as the film progresses. Gosling brings a level of sincerity to the role, managing to inject some complexity into a character that could easily have been a mere caricature. His performance, particularly in the latter half of the movie, stands out as one of the film's stronger elements.
The cinematography and set design are undeniable highlights. The vibrant colours, meticulous attention to detail in the costumes and sets, and the overall visual flair create a world that is both captivating and true to the Barbie brand. These elements provide a feast for the eyes and are among the film's most commendable aspects.
However, the film struggles with its tone and message. It often resorts to oversimplified views on societal issues, missing the mark in delivering a nuanced or impactful commentary. The narrative feels disjointed, swinging between attempts at satire and a more sincere exploration of gender roles and societal expectations.
In summary, "Barbie" scores a 6 out of 10. It's a film that offers a visual delight and some notable performances, particularly from Gosling. However, it is ultimately let down by a lackluster script and a failure to fully capitalize on its premise. While it may not be a must-see, for those interested in a visually striking interpretation of the Barbie world, it might be worth a watch, if only for its aesthetic achievements and a few noteworthy performances.
I really don't get why people got so upset about this. It's just a superficial movie with Barbie only touching the very least of the problems women face everywhere every day. You know, looking around and being vigilant every time you leave the house? Hell even in your own home, you're never safe.
I thought it would be groundbreaking after all the talk online, but nope, nothing to see here. Just a Barbie movie. You won't miss anything if you don't watch, especially if you're a woman like me.
Such a well-made movie. People complain about irrelevant things when everything in this movie is relevant to Barbie. The soundtrack could have been better, but other than that, it's funny, sad, relatable, inspiring, amazing, and the acting is pure Barbie land.
I recently had the unfortunate experience of watching the Barbie movie, starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, and let me tell you, it was one of the worst cinematic nightmares I have ever endured. This film is a prime example of how a talented cast can be wasted on a cringeworthy script and a shameless attempt at corporate redemption.
First and foremost, Margot Robbie, known for her exceptional acting skills, deserves so much better than the lackluster material presented in this film. The script is so mind-numbingly awful that it's almost painful to witness her attempt to breathe life into her character. It's as if the writers thought they could coast by on the Barbie brand name rather than crafting a story that would showcase Robbie's true talents.
The entire movie feels like an excessively long and depressing advertisement for Barbie dolls. It's clear that Mattel is desperately trying to whitewash the negative impact the Barbie brand has had on the body image and self-esteem of millions of young girls since its inception in 1959. This film, however, does nothing to address or rectify the damage. Instead, it shamelessly perpetuates the unrealistic beauty standards that have haunted the brand for decades.
The blatant attempt to manipulate the narrative around Barbie is both transparent and insulting. It's as if the creators believe that by force-feeding audiences a contrived story, they can erase the deep-rooted issues associated with the Barbie brand. Unfortunately, this film does nothing but add insult to injury for those who have suffered from the damaging effects of Barbie's unrealistic portrayal of beauty.
And let's not even get started on the so-called hype surrounding the movie. The marketing machine worked overtime to generate excitement. The tepid response from audiences reflects the studio's gross miscalculation of their audience's intelligence. Viewers are not as naive as the filmmakers seem to believe; they can see through the facade of a film that prioritizes corporate interests over genuine storytelling.
The hype was fake, nobody cared about Oppenheimer either. These studio seem to think their audiences are complete idiots, that we just blindly think what they tell us to think.
In conclusion, the Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling is a disgraceful attempt to salvage the tarnished reputation of the Barbie brand. It fails to address the real issues associated with the iconic doll and, instead, perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Save yourself the agony and skip this cringe-worthy excuse for a film.
we're all barbie girls, in a barbie world
I expected a funnier movie. Instead, I received a feminist message movie that, while enjoyable, was not as clever or as witty as it could have been.
I just don’t get the point. This movie is trying to make one and I acknowledge I’m probably not the target audience for it. And while it isn’t a kids movie a little too much gental focus for a movie that is about a kids toy.
"Humans have only one ending. Ideas live for ever."
By the way people talked about this I thought we had another La La Land or Parasite on our hands. I'd say this movie hits the nail on the head on a lot of things, but overall I wasn't blown away. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling killed it though.
"Humans have only one ending. Ideas live forever."
Sometimes in life, you embrace being you because you are KENough.
On a serious note, I had a great time with Barbie.
Do not let the title or poster fool you into thinking this is another stupid kid's movie for little girls because despite the colourful and happy-go-lucky comedic start with the introduction of Barbie Land. The film quickly and suddenly goes into mature themes, where the narrative shifts to gender roles in society, mostly on women.
But as soon as the line "Do you ever think about dying?" drops, you are in for something different. Weirdly enough, this reminded me of The Lego Movie, and what is even stranger is that it stars Will Ferrell.
One of the most amusing parts I got from the movie is that the film feels "insidery" and what I mean by that is that it speaks to women and is made for them, which only they will truly understand. So, any comedic or emotional scenes regarding female experiences will have a bigger laugh and impact for them, while the guys are not picking it up. On the other hand, it manages not to alienate, and that's very tricky to pull off. Anyone can still enjoy it, but it's just something I notice with the audience. I mean, it is why it's having such a positive reaction, both box office and reception, as audiences and critics finally got something that strikes a decent balance of being entertaining and well-made.
Margot Robbie is fantastic as the main Barbie. She portrayed her character's feelings, thoughts, and inner turmoil beautifully. It's another ensemble film where everyone does solid work.
But man, Ryan Gosling as Ken is fantastic. Gosling is one of the best comedic talents of today. I would say this - Gosling's casting as Ken is up there with Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean. I hope he gets an Oscar nomination for this. Yep, I am dead serious. Whenever Gosling was on screen, I was smiling from ear to ear. His passion for the character is both amusing and hilarious. His musical number I'm Just Ken was the highlight.
Director Greta Gerwig is one of the most unique voices in cinema right now. Her influences with classic cinema, mostly in music, dance, and rich visuals are on display here. Her directing for the musical segments, especially with ‘I'm Just Ken’, is fantastic.
The movie has flaws. It can get overstuffed with so much going on, and the preachy message can be too much at points. It needed more nuance. But that is it for problems.
If you are a guy, check this one out. Go out of your comfort zone.
With the internet phenomenon known as Barbenheimer, who would have thought that a movie based on a doll and another film about the creation of the nuclear bomb would save cinema? Hopefully, this is a sign of great things to come. Audiences are hungry for quality again.
I can't believe men are pissed off about this movie. As a woman, this hasn't even begun to touch on all the shit we have to go through, just to get through a day..while none of us are as pretty as Barbie.
I always champion women to reject any men (no matter how rich/handsome they are. sometimes the chemistry just isn't there and you're not obliged to do anything to anyone. your vagina/penis is yours to give and share with whomever you want. All the rest is bullshit... just be yourself and eff the rest.
I think the premise is fun, the narrator, Barbieworld, the subjugated Kens... but then it gets lost a bit when Ken discovers the patriarchy and spends hours (ahem minutes) singing (didn't Gosling do that enough in Lalaland?)... and it really gets preachy in the end. The goal should be equality, not female supremacy, after all.
So, not really sure what all the hype is about.
This is probably the most famous movie of 2023, so I won’t spend too much time on my review. I think this is an effective approach at creating a more meaningful message-driven story from something that could have easily just been a toy commercial in someone else’s hands. The production design is gorgeous, and Ryan Gosling was super entertaining. Still, it is Greta Gerwig’s weakest movie to date, with some of the messaging feeling defanged and a bit toothless at times due to the studio constraints.
I had really high hopes for this movie, but I was left disappointed unfortunately. I was expecting it to be a lot funnier. It was ok, but nothing special
What did I just watch and how/why did this train wreck of a movie get nominated for several so called prominent awards? Some nice acting going on but that's about it.
The approach of using the most popular doll in the toy industry to expose the way in which it has contributed to sexist education is brilliant. But the film ends up being so stupid that its message is diluted in scenes of pamphlet dialogue, although in its favor it although it manages to expose male insecurities. There are some good ideas, such as using discarded doll models for feminist rebellion, wrapped in spectacular and imaginative production design. But when it wants to be a musical (why?) it deflates, and the Trojan horse ends up being plastic.
What a trash! Empty… boring.
Hits a little too close to home at some points. I laughed, I cried, you get it all in Barbieland.
My only complaints are
1) too much Ken honestly and
2) the whole patriarchy thing felt a little rushed and weird. I know they were trying to prove that the patriarchy hurts men too but I think they missed that mark.
Otherwise I had fun watching this and I hope it managed to open some minds.
I should not have tried to watch this. I knew it would not be for me - but people said it was good - and there’s what’s his face and Robbie - I love them - and there are so few movies coming out - I was desperate :sob:
I have no idea why this thing is so popular. It was so boring. If felt as if I were watching a movie about frosting on a cake. Yep, that's all I can say.
It's supposed to be a kids' movie. It's supposed to confront the issues women face every day. America's character explaining the weight all women carry in the middle and then her end speech that it's okay to be average become the whole point of the movie. It pivots trying to explain how the patriarchy hurts men also, but other than in the controlling factor, really misses the mark. The best point to me is telling both girls and boys (women and men) that showing emotion is okay. Crying isn't just for unhappy women. The dialog at the end added nothing in my opinion. Could've cut that out entirely and just had Margot/Barbie come to it on her own.
For little girls, tween girls ant even women, it's a feel good "be you" movie. In the message an 8. America, Margot and Ryan's performances are wonderful. 9s. But it was a little too preachy, so 6 overall.
I know saying this goes against the entire point of the movie, but holy shit, Margot Robbie is genuinely so insanely gorgeous:weary::heart:
This movie showed that Ken was just a friend, not someone important in Barbie's life.
Hopefully the sequel won't be about him going to the real world trying to get her back!
It’s a very meh movie. Ryan and Margot are amazing actors, but this movie just sucks. I hate it really lol.
Excellent movie. I was not expecting that.
Visually a good movie. But overall way too preachy. I learned a few things. Men are buffoons, it’s “impossible to be a woman”, there is a tranny Barbie that Gosling was forced to call beautiful. Simu Liu is one of the weakest choices for a Ken. Gosling was good. Margot looked great as usual. Wouldn’t watch again.
The cast is great but Ryan Gosling is hilarious and steals the show in a non-stop girl power movie. Where women don’t need men.
The screenwriter of this is doing the same thing to Disney’s live action Snow White. Though they do over do that a bit here. With Barbie even pretty cruel to Ken.
This is an entertaining movie nevertheless. The same screenwriter just shouldn’t do that with everything. Especially Snow White which sounds like it disrespects Walt Disney’s film.
:heart::heart::heart::heart::heart::heart: - If you ask me the film is overrated but obviously for the Ladies and for the kids who played with Barbie in their childhood or for the fans will be amazing.. Far too much politics.. I liked the acting of Margot Robbie
My rating system works:
10:heart:- Masterpiece :100:
9:heart:- Excellent
8:heart: - Amazing :ok_hand:
7:heart:- Great :sun_with_face:
6:heart: - Good :thumbsup:
5:heart: - Average :head_bandage:
4:heart: - Bad but watchable :octagonal_sign:
3:heart: - Bad :sob:
2:heart:- Awful :face_vomiting:
1:heart: - Bull Shit
You know what? Maybe I'm not a feminist if it means I have to enjoy messaging that trashes men or only focuses on the worst of them to boost women up. I don't believe that men are only weak, whiny, stupid, incompetent, power-hungry, controlling, and empty. So, when they're portrayed that way to set up women as superior, I don't like it.
This movie had all the elements to open a conversation about how it shouldn't be about men ruling over women or women ruling over men, it should be about working together to break down toxic constructs that affect both men and women, supporting each other, and being better for one another to make real change. But instead of opening that conversation, it just tells you what you should think. You should think that if women ruled the world and told men what to do, everything would be great. That's just so... disappointing.
There's a lot I enjoyed about this film; the style, the actors, the direction, the soundtrack, the humor and satire, the way it explored what it means to be a woman, what it means to be human, gender roles, consumerism, and more. So many great things to love, but the feminist message is not one I can get behind.
this was one wild movie dawg :skull:
There's a lot to like here. Unfortunately, along with the pros, there are a number of cons. The film, as it is, is too long. Much like Barbie, the film suffers from an identity crisis. What is it? What does it want to be?
Parts of the films are moving and intelligent. Some of it is fun. Some are both. It may veer in too many directions. It wants it's cake and to eat it, too. Some of the messages are crossed. Some are executed in a heavy-handed manner. Outside of Ferrell's unnecessary role and performance as... Ferrell. This entire section was poorly executed and shallow. The other actors were all fine (although, as amusing as he was, Allan was distracting, as were a few Kens and Barbies). Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie seemed to give it their all. Gosling was let down by the writing and Robbie continues to prove she's a talented actor. She carried the film and gave it it's heart.
Content is king. Some of the script is nice. However, other bits are a let down, as was how it was portrayed. Certain sections of the film were very nice. This movie is a bag of odd parts that don't all fit together or feel like they're from the same team.
The script introduces a number of intriguing paths, but doesn't follow any of them... and plucks the low-hanging fruit and doesn't know how to resolve some of the arcs. All this typed, I did enjoy seeing the film. I just wish it could be edited and tweaked. More 60s lavish production (with more polish) meets La La Land and less bad and mundane early 90s comedy... and wokeness (which is not a compliment - the term itself being ironic and a synonym for behavior that's always been present in a kaleidoscope of contexts).
Also, fire the musical director. The opening two songs and the closing song not only aren't good, they're inappropriate for the film (and embarrassing for all involved). These songs detracted from the experience. Billie Eilish's song was nice and worked well within the context of the film and the scenes during which it was played. What happened to classic scores? Where's Herrmann, Mancini and company when you need them?
Kudos to the production team and costume design.
Edit: After additional thought, I'm tempted to lower the score to a 5, secondary to some of the writing and execution. It's sometimes a challenge to weigh, for example, execution, production, writing, and the plethora of technical aspects with a small side of my experience, enjoyment and perspective. This film is Frankenstein's monster and the pieces don't add up to a complete Barbie. It's definitely a film for adults, despite much of it masquerading to be intended for younger females. The mixed messaging (sometimes delivered via a 5-ton sledge hammer) returned to haunt me last night. Why? As in, why did the screenwriters not polish and balance the script? Their prior projects indicate they're capable of doing so.
Sure are a bunch of angry men in the reviews for this, who totally missed the entire point of the whole movie. Which part upset you, was it America Ferrera explaining the complete truth of what it's like to be an average woman in the world, or was it the Kens having their brief control taken away because they're not bright enough to wield control effectively because they're literally just there to accompany Barbie?
Great music, great story, great acting, visually awesome to watch! My mom and I haven't laughed as much as we did during this movie in weeks, it was a blast from start to finish, with a multitude of excellent, plain-spoken points about life for women, men, and all humans. Greta Gerwig can pretty much do whatever she wants now after this enormous success.
Put off seeing this movie because of all the hype. Then I bought it and have watched it several times since.
Hilarious. Poignant. Fanciful. Real.
Truly beyond my wildest expectations.
this movie made me cry i loved the barbie movie a lot
“Barbie" is a delightful film that successfully blends humor with a heartwarming message. The movie captures your attention with its witty moments and leaves you with a sense of positivity. The storyline, combined with the charming characters, draws you into Barbie's world and keeps you engaged throughout. While some aspects might be familiar, the film's unique twist and overall execution make it a standout. With its combination of humor and a touching message, "Barbie" earns a solid 4 out of 5 rating. It's a feel-good watch that's perfect for anyone seeking an enjoyable cinematic experience.
In short - ultra-feminist woke BS
The producers must be so grateful to God for Margot Robbie. Her beauty and charisma are the only things saving this absurd, woke and very badly done movie.
"Barbie" surprised me in the best way possible, earning an impressive A+ and a 96% rating. This film, often overlooked by those who assumed it was solely for a feminine audience, proved to be a true cultural phenomenon. It follows Barbie, who starts to question her existence and embarks on an adventure to the real world with Ken to find a solution. The striking cinematography and impeccable set designs complemented the outstanding performances, especially Ryan Gosling's humorous portrayal. What sets this film apart is its intelligent exploration of gender inequality and patriarchy, offering valuable messages for both men and women.
While some may argue about Will Ferrell's role, it doesn't detract from the overall excellence. In a surprising twist, "Barbie" holds my highest rating for the year, surpassing other notable titles. It's a must-watch, offering depth and importance that resonates far beyond Barbie Land.
When I saw the first trailer I was like do we need this? But actually watching the movie, it's really great
It started well with great locations and cinematography but as the time went by i didn't like it that much the script i expected something better. 6.5/10
Easily deserves several Academy's Oscar (screenplay, production design, fashion, so7ns, music and so on)... it's by far the 2023's movie. Top!
Amazing!
Well, it was one hell of a roller-coaster of expectations. I went into the movie with high expectations since I do like non-extreme feminism and then going past that kinda defeats the whole purpose which is pretty common sadly this day, and gives feminism the bad reputation that it has rn. In the middle of the movie I was very convinced that it would be what I feared, thankfully it wasn't. I think the social commentary was completely fair. But when it comes to the delivery part, it felt a bit weak or for a lack of word maybe they just took the easy way, with just actors pronouncing an essay out loud. Which is fine, but for a movie or any artform it does take away the thinking part and gives out a chewed up information ready to digest with no effort, though it makes the movie great to educate the masses, but takes away from the art form at least for my standards.
Movie itself didn't take itself seriously in terms of representation, it was quite relaxed and not very emotional.
it gets a good (7) out of 10.
Re: Barbenheimer
I think it’s a really rare thing when releases are SO eagerly anticipated and then so wholeheartedly deliver. I enjoyed both of these movies immensely for wildly different reasons; Barbie is a fantastically feminist, candy-colored camp fantasy that delivers laughs and thoughts on existentialism and humanity; and Oppenheimer is a dramatically dense, fast-paced character study that delivers dread and thoughts on…existentialism and humanity. Funny how the two meet there.
Aside from the movies themselves, it has been YEARS since a movie theatre has felt so electric as when my husband and I saw Barbie on Thursday night. The outfits and “Hi, Barbie!” exclamations left and right fed directly into a delightfully enthusiastic audience - and then I didn’t hear a peep during my Oppenheimer screening this evening, which is a far cry from the typical Friday night audience.
This has been my favorite week at the movies in a very long time.
crappy movie, and promoting feminism.
Barbie was an okay movie, but it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. While Margot Robbie delivered a fantastic performance and embodied the character well, the overall film experience wasn't exactly what I was expecting, especially considering Barbie's traditional association with a younger audience.
What surprised me the most was the maturity of the film. It had a depth and complexity that I didn't anticipate. While this might make it more appealing to older audiences, it may not be as suitable for the younger viewers who have grown up with Barbie as a symbol of childhood innocence and fun.
The movie had its moments, and Robbie's portrayal of Barbie was a highlight, but it lacked the whimsy and light-heartedness that many associate with the brand. It's clear that the filmmakers tried to take Barbie in a different direction, but it might not be what fans of the classic Barbie image were hoping for.
In the end, Barbie was a decent film with a noteworthy performance by Margot Robbie, but it might leave some fans feeling that it strayed a bit far.
This film is amazing because it can be consumed on so many different levels. While at first it might seem that the backdrop of a kids toy would be restrictive, Gerwig and company used it has a giant canvass that allowed them to go in any direction that they wanted. I must have had 10,000 thoughts while watching this movie - I look forward to re-watching it with pen and paper. There is one thought that I couldn't shake as I watched the movie. Its a shame that the culture war crowd attacked this movie as they did because it really is a beautiful story, if you want it. The movie wasn't trying to put down men, it was trying to lift up humans in general and young women in particular. If you find this threatening, you might want to re-examine your beliefs.
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A good moral, I absolutely did not expect that, and I am pleasantly surprised by the result!
If you're here for the laughs then I don't recommend it if you're past the age of its target audience.
Even if you remove the comedy the film's also not any great when it comes to its social commentary too. Instead of presenting it through visuals like a normal movie does they just write a speech and paste it straight in the actors' dialogues. The only thing worth praising was different easter eggs related to barbie.
If you're a kid or and adult with nothing to watch, go for it. But it's not for your average movie lover.
wow what a load of rot, I guess I'm not in the demographic. That said I watxh so many movies and this is one of the worst movies I have seen, and to get such high reviews is staggering.
They sure brought the heaviest of hammer to nail in the message. Subtly be damn.
So woke it can’t breathe, Margot Robbie doesn’t really shine but there are some funny bits here and there and the nostalgia
All I can say in short is that it was an unexpected movie which didn't make sense some of the time. Was it targeting corporate greed or anti-men or some other woke agenda?
In the end, I just liked Ryan Gosling's acting of Ken. He was totally into the role.
It was a pretty OK movie, but not worth the hype. Good marketing though. Ps. Hari Nef is actual an pretty good actor. Great strong male performance !
This movie was woke, all they tried to tell us were men is bad. Really bad movie.
What a pile of feministic men-hating crap. Really fits all that woke agenda.
Ken steals the movie. I absolutely love Ken's discovery of the patriarchy. I also don't understand why the movie is getting bad reviews for being woke. I think it is a "light" movie about serious topics and I find it very valuable for men.
Go watch the movie and put your big egos aside. Take the horse if you need to, to keep you company or to feel more manly.
:heart:x7
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this movie. At first, because of all the musical numbers, i started to regret watching it. But then it got more interesting. What I want to know is - did Kate McKinnon do her own splits or was there a stunt double?
How I rate:
1-3 :heart: = seriously! don't waste your time
4-6 :heart: = you may or may not enjoy this
7-8 :heart: = I expect you will like this too
9-10 :heart: = movies and TV shows I really love!
So, I dove into "Barbie" expecting some fun, flashy visuals and, well, it didn't disappoint on that front. The start was pretty solid, with all the glitz and glam you'd expect from a Barbie world. They even threw in some cool messages about loving yourself and all that jazz. But then, things got... weird. The movie started going on this whole "women rule, men drool" vibe, which kinda felt like they missed the mark on the whole equality thing.
Greta Gerwig seemed like she was trying to juggle a million things at once. It's like she wanted to wink at the audience every two minutes, saying, "See what I did there?" Margot Robbie as Barbie was cool and all, but Ryan Gosling as Ken? He stole the show. Dude was hilarious!
The visuals? Top-notch. The music? Catchy as heck. But the story? Kinda felt like they were trying to please everyone and ended up pleasing no one. It's like they wanted to make a point, but then they'd immediately backtrack, probably scared of stepping on toes.
The movie was a bit of a bummer for me. It had its moments, but also left me scratching my head a few times. If you're in for some laughs and eye candy, give it a go. Just don't expect a clear message by the end.
Remove the musical inserts and Gosling and the film would be more powerful. Margot Robie bravely carries most of the film on her shoulders.
Liberal American Feminism for girls who listen to Taylor Swift: The Movie.
Whole movie felt like a lecture on feminism from an American 16 year old girl at private school who just found out what the patriarchy is? Absolutely no subtlety. The director needs to learn to show not tell. Trying to battle stereotypes by employing stereotypes in every single minute of the movie seems very illogical.
This movie was a disappointment after all of the hype and praise people are giving it. Or I'm too old for this kind of very, very simple, basic movies. I genuinely don’t know how this movie got almost a billion dollars.
It doesn't even know its own target audience, is it for kids, adults or teens? Far from being a children’s film, this is a highly politicized film, filled with messaging that’s inappropriate for children.
I do think that there really wasn’t any plot. You could tell that the director was like let’s make a movie about American feminism - 'women are great, men are awful. It presented a clear and direct dichotomy between good and evil, with no room for nuance or complexity. You were either with us or with them. For me, that's not feminism. This is feminism for babies, a sweet pink summary of an extremely complex fight for human rights, recognition and equality. A truly feminist representation would display a world where men and women can work together to create a better society.
None of the character has any depth or interesting development. The villain, in particular, is a laughable caricature with motivations as thin as tissue paper. The lack of a compelling plot, deep characters, and memorable dialogue leaves the audience struggling to care about the outcome of the contrived conflicts. Successful films are ones that make you think, ponder, question, or even criticize the plot and its reality, and thus your own reality. Great production design though.
While I cannot bring anything new to the discussion around this movie, I'm willing to accept two things that reflect my review score. Firstly, I recognise that I am not the target audience for this movie, even though I absolutely adore Gerwig and Baumbach and their respective portfolios. Secondly, I think this may have been the one time that I feel Gerwig was a little over her head and attempted to speak on too many things at once, all while contending with being a commerical, marketing-laden project at the same time. There is a looseness and franticism about the many arcs present in this movie which leads to none getting the spotlight they deserve.
I still enjoyed the hell out of it, the usual existential crisis that comes from Greta's work is ever present and played to great effect, and the production is mindbogglingly thorough. I know people throw out the terms cinematography and setwork when they're loosely giving movies merits but Barbie really is phenomenal in that regard. Barbie World and all of it's bubblegum, plastic-y pink galore is perfectly realised, from the plastic waves to the dream houses to the eye-searingly luminous outfits, it really is some great attention to detail.
TL;DR: I perhaps didn't love it as much as most people, and some of that maybe comes down to the expectation that was built during the marketing and hype cycle, but it's still a good time all in all.
Honestly I'm trying with this movie. But in the end it is reduced to one word: Cringe. The fact that they take patriarchy as the basis of the conflict is insane. It's a perfect reflection of the weird turn leftist ideology is taking in current times. But it seems they mean it seriously, not satirically, Ironically they toy with the Misandry of the Kens just to come back and reinforce it. LOL. The intentional plastic/fake look of the barbie dolls being a toy made for the mases brought to life makes for overacted performances as you would expect. I get it. is intentional, just doesn't make for great cinema. The only real thought that brought to mine. Is how the hell did Mattel agreed to this. Either someone outmaneuver them hard or the truly know how to have a laugh at their own expense.
Who's in his right mind will leave pink and happiness for the real world???
This movie is undoubtedly a tearjerker. Greta truly knows how to create masterpieces. I appreciate that this film delves into and elucidates both sides of the story, which essentially embodies the essence of feminism. If someone were to inquire about feminism, I'd recommend they watch this movie.
Moreover, the humor in this film is consistently excellent, from the opening scene to the very end. The comedic lines are perfectly timed, and the actors, especially Margot Robbie, deliver outstanding performances. It's not easy to shed a single tear from just one eye, and that's a testament to her remarkable acting.
Additionally, the soundtrack adds to the overall excellence of the film. Lastly, the production design is incredible. Kudos to the production design team for their outstanding work. This film has definitely earned a spot among my all-time favorite movies. Congratulations to the entire team; they deserve all the praise they receive from audiences.
Way past its time. Would've been relevant in the 60s. Nowadays? An unrealistic and fraudulent brainwash. 10 minutes into the movie, brainwashing in so many directions that it appears to miss it's target and makes a kid more overwhelmed and confused rather than more anti-musculine. However, befitting a brainwash, the repetitive anti-musculine motif eventually hammers down the message that men are the extreme versions of what women used to be and therefore, should be ridiculed. Of note, Gosling has reminded that there is no better hollywood metrosexual to portray a beta male than him (reference: The Notebook).
Effective brainwash but as a movie? Gimmicky, childish, superficial,populist.
New World Order Feminist Manifesto Rate: 0/10
This one just like a version of Wnews Video.
Margot Robbie is amazing. She’s the only reason that made this dumpster fire bearable. This movie comes off as portraying a battle between the 'woke' and the normal. It's either that, or the writers sprinkled just enough of both to attract each sides of the ideological divide to watch the movie. Barbie going to see her gynaecologist was an epic way to end the movie. I mean, it's better than asking the viewers "What is a woman?" :joy:
Shout by AnonymousseBlockedParent2024-04-10T10:15:34Z
This was so sad but also so much fun and so self-aware. I really loved everything about this. It did have me in tears multiple times, so real. Kate McKinnon had so many funny moments, her comedy alone is worth the watch.