Barbie
2023
**½
Director: Greta Gerwig
Cast: Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Michael Cera, Simu Liu, Helen Mirren, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, Will Ferrell
When Stereotypical Barbie, who lives happily in the matriarchal Barbieland with other Barbies and Kens, begins to develop dark thoughts, she must venture out into the real world, where men seem to be in charge. Greta Gerwig's third solo feature is a light and bubbly feminist comedy, which is based on Mattel's iconic dolls. The screenplay by Gerwig and her husband Noah Baumbach offers clever satire, visual gags, and film references, and yet I was only mildly amused throughout. This is certainly not as funny and subversive as The Lego Movie, which was also an extended toy commercial. Nevertheless, the sets and costumes are delightful, and the songs are catchy. What Was I Made For? by Billie Eilish and Finneas O'Connell won an Academy Award for best original song.
