Director: Greta Gerwig
Writers: Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach
Starring: Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, Ryan Gossling, America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman Hele Miren
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Country: United States
Language: English
Connecting to the little girl in us all
Director Greta Gerwig brings Barbie (Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon and more) to life in her hilarious new film and at the same time deals with so many of the same issues faces your girls and women regarding their looks, body weight and shapes and trying to be all things to all people.
In her quest to save the very existence of herself and BarbieLand, she encounters Gloria (America Ferrera) and her daughter Sasha (Ariana Greenblatt) in the real world and Ruth Handler, creator of Barbie in BarbieLand.
After the screening, I had a opportunity to ask America, “from your first film at 17 to today, what are the most important things you have learned on your journey?”
Something that really stood out was her saying, she is not in competition with Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez and others. That there is room for all of them.
As I was leaving, the moderator of the conversation, Clayton Davis, gave me the best compliment I could ever want as a journalist, he said, “that was a great question.” His kind words are the fuel to keep me going. Thank you, Clayton.
The Mattel CEO (Will Ferrell) is a humorous yet sexist executive who is all in on a patriarchal society. His ideas of inclusion are outlandish and at the same time a reflection of what some men believe and feel. The narration of the film by Helen Mirren provides critical insight into the film’s characters and makes a huge difference in its storyline.
Believe in yourself. Find what is important to you, not what societies says you should do.
Greta’s direction does a wonderful job of balancing the fantasy of Barbie with real world issues. Giving you great entertainment and things to consider.
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto captures the essence of all that is shiny, plastic, and good about Barbie.
The writing Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach gives an honest dialogue about things that are of concern to young girls, teens, and adult women that it is very relatable while giving you space for joy and laughter.
Editor Nick Houy work allows the storyline to flow effortlessly throughout the film.
Costume Designer Jacqueline Durran creations brings everything you every loved about Barbie’s clothing and accessories to life size and ready to wear.
Production designer Sarah Greenwood has a major influence on all things Barbie in the film. It creates the world of Barbie, the cars, the homes, and the beach.
When on her quest to life in the real world, it couldn’t be a Barbie movie without going to Los Angeles and the home of Barbie, the Mattel Headquarters. It brings the story full circle.
The music by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt is impressive. Their scores were well placed in the scenes and added great humor. Barbie has great soundtrack that will have you wanting to dance in your seat.
What stands out to me is the search for a little girl that is a search for the little girl in each of us. A great film for the entire family to enjoy. Must see.
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Producers: Tom Ackerley · Robbie Brenner · David Heyman · Margot Robbie
Production Co: Warner Bros. Pictures, presents Heyday Film, LuckyChap Entertainment, NBGG Pictures, Mattel Films
Run time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Cast: Margot Robbie, Issa Ra, Ryan Gosling, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne, Ritu Arya, Dua Lipa, Nicola Coughlan, Emerald Fennell, Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, Scott Evans, John Cena, Michael Ceram, America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Rhea Perlman, Helen Mirre, Will Ferrell
Director: Greta Gerwig
Writers: Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach
Cinematography: Rodrigo Prieto
Editor: Nick Houy
Music: Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt