Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Movie Review: Barbie

The newest Barbie film, headlined by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, has been kept tightly under wraps, meaning the intrigue and wonder is only building for audiences.

What we do know:

It is clear that Barbieland is not quite as perfect as Barbie believes, when her permanently arched feet, crafted for her heels, fall flat, and she is cast out of Barbieland and travels to the human world, exploring the idea that true perfection can only be discovered within.

With her is Ken, her companion who unwittingly joins her adventures into the human world.

Directed by Greta Gerwig, known for her stunning filmography of 2017 film ‘Lady Bird’, the film is set to turn heads with its satirical nonsense and true heart.

Complete with poignant undertones of social commentary, the importance of confidence, and social connections, the film also tackles many of the controversies that are associated with the Barbie Mattel brand.

One such controversary is the issue of diversity, with the film’s director Greta deciding to portray every single Barbie, including Diplomat Barbie, Author Barbie, Lawyer Barbie, and Doctor Barbie, plus so many more.

Paired with the incredible variety of Barbie is the range of Kens, which include Cowboy Ken, Country Ken, Stereotypical Ken – who acts like Margot Robbie’s Barbie right hand man, played by Ryan Gosling – and even a brief doll created, Allan, Ken’s buddy.

Playing on ideas of male representation and storytelling, not much has been shared about the roles of the Kens, with their posters containing the same line: “He’s just another Ken.”

Set with the perfectly pink backdrop that rings true to childhood memories, including the bedroom to pool slide, the film had an absolutely stunning all-star cast, including the likes of Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Simu Liu, Kate McKinnon, Hari Nef, America Ferrera, Emma Mackey, Michael Cera, Helen Mirren and Dua Lipa, plus so many more that it’s hard to count.

Barbie is in Bowen Cinema Saturday July 22.

Margot Robbie plays the Stereotypical Barbie, who is cast out of Barbieland

The Barbie film portraying a range of Barbies, including Mermaid Barbie and Sailor Barbie. Photos supplied

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