I speak with sincerity when I say, ‘They just dont make movies like this anymore’.
Some kind of monsterous hybrid of those old 80’s ‘Journey’ movies (Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, The Wizard, Elvira: Mistress of the Dark) a self aware and acidic slash at ‘toy commercial’ movies, a self aware and acidic swipe at the dumbing down of cinema (and kids films in particular) and an acidic swipe at Incel culture, toxic masculinity and the pressures placed on women and young girls in our society, while ALSO acknowledging that acknowledging those cultures and pressures is in and of itself a stereotype at this point. I feel SO sorry for anyone who came to this movie expecting a slushy pink bimbocized picture. Because there is FAR more going on in this thing than even I expected going in.
I had to remind myself at multiple points through this thing that it was in fact *supposed* to be a kids film. Because, barring a somewhat faux setup in the first 10 minutes establishing ‘Barbieland’ as a magical and perfect place where yesterday was as amazing as today and tomorrow is set to be even better. The entire rest of the movie is about Barbie heading into the real world (with Ken in tow) to try and settle existential dread that has creapt into the ‘stereotypical’ Barbies subconcious; leading to a journey of self discovery, identity definition and not only a heavy discussion on what it takes to be a woman in the modern day, but also a vivid exploration of masculinity, patriarchy and the self (eid).
And somehow they juggle all of that while also throwing in slapstick comedy, stupid humour that doesnt go lowbrow and actually funny jokes.
I cant say this film holds together well. The act structuring itself is pretty solid, but the film acknowledges that the *exact* science between how Barbie and co get from Barbieland to the real world is one that shouldnt be thought on too heavily. If you can get over that hurdle, the rests a breeze.
Pacing is breakneck, but enjoyably so. the themes are fascinating and MORE than welcome in the age of ‘The Emoji Movie’ and ‘Trolls’. But there were times where the film felt a little *too* much like attending a lecture series than a movie, and equally times where the humour went even a little *too* dumb for me. Is it heavy handed? I’d say it is in places. and the film quite often seems to lose its own thread at times. But y’know what? Its enthusiasm about what it’s trying to do and say shines radiently resulting in an imperfect film thats charming, charismatic and…While the whiff of ‘Toy commercial’ is very much in the air with this thing… …. … The movies called ‘Barbie’ what did I THINK they were gonna do with it?
Visually this things nuts. part german expressionist inspired and part experimental cinema led. Barbieland rides the line of films like ‘Dr. Caligari’ (1989) and the works of Wes Anderson. But on a big budget. everything is visually stunning the decision to flick between all manner of different styles of layering (the paper and plastic craft transition scenes between the real world and Barbie land were my personal highlights) were wonderful. Its nice to see a film not be afraid to go garish and glam with HYPER vivid colours turning what could have been a fairly generic production into something altogether ‘Extra’.
The real world sequences are a little bit of a letdown by contrast, coming across as a bit bland and muted. I get what they were trying to do, but it never quite hits in the same way as the more surreal moments. but Greta Gerwig has delivered here a production that, while inconsistent. IS unique, IS interesting and I sincerely hope is a launchpad rather than a ‘one off’.
The cine is solidly composed. Theres maybe a bit too much of an overreliance on CG for my liking. I’d have preferred a return to matte paintings and realising the more surreal ideas practically personally. But, it’s a studio picture. it wasnt going to be horrendous. I wouldnt have expected it to be, it’s maybe not *quite* as interesting compositionally as I’d personally have liked. But it holds up well enough.
As for the performances, both Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling DELIGHT as Barbie and as Ken, bringing a rock solid range across the runtime that showcases some of Robbies best work i’ve seen to date, Gosling by contrast is a delight playing a Ken who’s golden retriever energy and later dedication to the patriarchy (I never thought in a million years i’d write THAT in a Barbie review) is lunk headed, but clearly carefully coordinated and equally wonderful.
Special kudos has to go to Michael Cera as ‘Allan’ who’s the real sleeper of this picture. I honestly dont think i’ve seen Cera give a bad performance and his own eccentric energy pours into this thing perfectly leading to honestly rock solid results.
In fact, bizarrely; it’s Will Ferral who feels the odd one out here. the script doesnt really develop his character all that much, he turns up incrementally throughout and doesnt…really…do a lot…other than his usual ‘Step Brothers’/’Elf’ routine. Which was a bit dissapointing…I actually found the business men he surrounds himself with to be more entertaining at times than him.
The supporting cast do a damn fine job completing this bizarre ensamble. creating ultimately a movie that, with a lesser cast, would have almost certainly fallen apart.
All of this is tied together with a decent soundtrack mixing more modern tracks with remixes of 80’s dittys (Babies peak generally) to create a strangely textured work.
It very much is a ‘planets have aligned’/’Just the right people in just the right place, at just the right time’ movie. Is it perfect? absolutley not. While the script is charming and endearing, it is ultimately a tad flawed and its hard to tell whether the blame is on corporate interference or directoral oversight. A touch heavy handed in places and a little bit all over the place plot wise, it’s the characters, tone, energy and vision for ‘Barbie’ that shines through and ultimately saves the day for me.
Is this a good kids film? I honestly dont know. the themes discussed are quite complex and I think even adults would struggle to really truely process everything thats laid down here. But what I will say is if you have an older daughter (8-10+) and your down for some in depth disucssions on femenism and the patriarchy. Go for it. I think you’ll have a time and a half! If you have a son. Take him to see this movie as soon as possible.
And dont be fooled by the faux glam. Bubbling just below the surface of this thing is a witty, dark, sardonic work that will absolutely appeal to anyone who ever hated barbie growing up. I honestly cant wait to grab this on home release.
TYTD Reviews 