Barbie, the iconic fashion doll that has been around since 1959, is now the star of a big-screen adaptation that has taken the world by storm. The movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, is a fantasy comedy that follows Barbie’s journey of self-discovery after she is expelled from Barbie land for not being perfect enough.
The film has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its clever, imaginative and feminist take on the Barbie universe, as well as its stellar cast, soundtrack and visuals. Here are some of the reasons why Barbie is the movie that everyone is talking about:
The marketing campaign:
The story has been hyped up for months with a massive marketing campaign that has included pink billboards, a pink Barbie Dream House on Airbnb, a pink Doctor Who Tardis at Tower Bridge, and a Barbie-themed tube station in London. The campaign has also encouraged fans to create their own posters and share them on social media with the hashtag #BarbieWorld.
The cast:
Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling are not the only A-listers in the movie. The movie also features Helen Mirren as Queen Dollania, the ruler of Barbie land, Issa Rae as Barbie’s best friend Raquelle, and Ncuti Gatwa as the new Doctor Who. The cast also includes cameo appearances from celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Harry Styles, Lizzo and Beyoncé.
The soundtrack:
The hollywood movie boasts a soundtrack produced by Mark Ronson and featuring songs from some of the biggest names in music, such as Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice. The soundtrack also includes a remix of the original Barbie Girl song by Aqua, which has become a viral hit on Tik Tok.
The reviews:
The movie has received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, who have praised its humor, heart and message of empowerment. The movie currently holds a 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics calling it “a near-miraculous achievement” ¹, “a candy coated doll comedy with an ode to womanhood” ², and “clever, imaginative and Christopher Nolan at his best” ³.
The box office:
Despite facing a tough competition from Christopher Nolan‘s Oppenheimer, which stars Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh as the creators of the atomic bomb, Barbie is expected to dominate the box office with an estimated $110 million opening weekend in the US ⁴. The movie has already sold out tickets in several cities and has generated a huge buzz online.
Is Barbie movie ok for kids?
This movie is rated PG-13, which means that some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. The movie contains suggestive references and brief language, as well as some scenes that may be scary or upsetting for younger viewers. Parents are advised to use their own discretion and judgment before taking their kids to see the movie ¹.
Why is Barbie movie PG-13?
The movie is PG-13 because it is not a typical kids’ movie, but rather a fantasy comedy that explores themes such as identity, diversity, individuality and creativity. The movie also has a satirical edge that pokes fun at the Barbie universe and its stereotypes, as well as the consumer culture and the expectations of women in society. The movie is aimed at a wider audience that includes teens and adults who grew up with Barbie dolls or are familiar with the toy line ²³.
What age is Barbie for?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different people may have different opinions and preferences. However, some critics have suggested that the movie is more suitable for older viewers who can appreciate its humor, heart and message of empowerment, while younger viewers may find it confusing, boring or offensive. Some critics have also noted that the movie is not very faithful to the original Barbie dolls or their stories, and may disappoint some fans who were expecting a more conventional adaptation ⁴⁵.