Barbie

‘Barbie’ versus ‘Oppenheimer’ was an originally laughable, and in some cases, tragic comparison with the plot of a doll versus the plot of the creation of an atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and nearly world peace. However, now ‘Barbie’ versus ‘Oppenheimer’ becomes a valid question as director Greta Gerwig does not hold back in this summer feature. ‘Barbie’ offers much more than anticipated with witty humour, great acting, and a provoking, yes, provoking plot challenging gender issues from both sides of the story and presenting positive outlets and solutions through the medium of great cinema. The casting for this feature is definitely Oscar-worthy, Margot Robbie is Barbie both visually and possibly spiritually judging by her more than convincing performance, the use of a stereotypical Barbie was a genius move by the director as it allowed an opportunity for cynical humour, and further incite into issues such as unhealthy commercial portrayals of body image. Ryan Gosling as Ken encapsulates the dumb-fun element audience craved from this film, however, there was kenough kenergy to add an extra layer of depth to Ken’s character as he tackles his lack of voice and insecurity within his masculinity. The depth of this film works so well due to its relevance and relatability which allowed greater interaction between screen and audience, making the use of a narrator a smart decision as it unexpectedly provided a few laughs, which is rare in the world of narration. Whilst the deep level of Barbie is great so is the surface level, with Will Pherell providing ample laughs, and the cinematography developing into creative brilliance with invisible liquids, imaginative movement, and pink everything.

The songs and choreography were also effective providing breaks within the ‘Truman Show’ atmosphere, ‘I’m Just Ken’ served as a perfect climax to the film tying up all loose ends for Barbie’s male counterpart and adding another great hit to the Barbie soundtrack. The film falls in terms of pacing, with the middle scenes feeling almost strenuous, but the main problem lies in the film's one-dimensional nature as a lesson in gender equality, making a second viewing feel like revision for a test on today’s materialistic, capitalist society. That being said fun is embedded into every aspect of this film making it on the whole a relatively easy and enjoyable watch. The concept of a bridge between two worlds and the overlapping ideals of perfection was a great direction the film took and allowed the plot to progress smoothly. Something that can also be taken away from Barbie is its ability to present a natural depiction of conventional and unconventional relationships. This was particularly effective with its target audience of mothers and daughters who were naturally drawn to the mother-daughter relationship within the film. Many audiences will have a character to relate to whether it's Ken, Barbie, Barbie, or Barbie.  In short, Barbie defies and exceeds expectations but perhaps goes about teaching lessons in an overt manner, nevertheless, the film is original, humourous, and entertaining and is a worthy contender when it comes to deciding what to see first, out of this Barbenheimer double bill.