Edgy, daring, witty and hysterically humorous, Barbie is the comedic blast this summer time actually wanted.
Directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the stinging script with companion Noah Baumbach, the movie is the right visible interpretation of the Barbie world, right down to its main emphasis on pink and a scarcity of stairs within the Barbie Dreamhouses.
Gerwig doesn’t serve up a two-hour business for Mattel’s flagship toy. Nope, it is a barbed satire that takes intention at stereotypes, patriarchy, perceived gender roles and society typically. There may be nothing about this film that performs it secure to be able to not upset some Mattel CEO. In truth, the Mattel CEO character within the film is portrayed by Will Ferrell, in full bumbling-fool mode. (Facet word: When Ferrell appeared onscreen, I heard a bunch of little youngsters within the theater yell, “Buddy!” in a nod to his character from Elf. Fairly cute.)
The title character is performed by Margot Robbie. By the various incarnations of this venture over time, the likes of Amy Schumer, Gal Gadot and Anne Hathaway had been lined as much as play the half. It’s a superb factor they exited, as a result of Robbie is cinematic gold because the doll that modified all of it. This isn’t a surface-type efficiency; it’s in no way one-dimensional or “doll-like.” It’s absolutely nuanced, multidimensional work that’s humorous at each flip—and it might, and may, get her Oscar buzz on the finish of the 12 months.
Barbie’s Ken isn’t any slouch both, personified by Ryan Gosling, who confesses to borrowing from his Mickey Mouse Membership days to symbolize Barbie’s most distinguished accent. Gosling is gonzo greatness right here, giving Ken a vacuous but earnest coronary heart, earlier than shifting into one thing altogether completely different because the screenplay steers into stunning territory. There are additionally just a few musical Ken moments, together with the character showcase “I’m Simply Ken,” and Gosling’s very humorous, very becoming Matchbox Twenty cowl.
There are lots of different incarnations of Barbie and Ken within the film, portrayed by a solid that features Kate McKinnon (she performs a broken, “bizarre” Barbie), Issa Rae, Dua Lipa, Simu Lu, Scott Evans and others. Michael Cera will get his greatest position in years as Allan (Ken’s pal!), whereas America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt are terrific as a mother-daughter group who wind up in Barbie’s orbit.
The film begins robust; the jokes come quick; they usually by no means let up till the very candy Billie Eilish music performs over the credit.
Laughing arduous is the mark of a superb comedy. Frequently having your thoughts blown by cleverness whereas having your heartstrings tugged greater than as soon as … these are the marks of an excellent comedy. Barbie is, most positively, an excellent comedy. It’s additionally one of many summer time’s greatest movies.
Up to date on July 25 to mirror that Bob modified his thoughts in regards to the popcorn score.
