Barbie (2023)

Okay, I’ll admit it—I was not expecting to love the Barbie movie as much as I did. I mean, it’s Barbie, right? The doll we all know from childhood. But after seeing it, I can honestly say that Greta Gerwig’s Barbie (2023) is one of the most unexpected cinematic joys I’ve experienced in a long time. It’s funny, thought-provoking, and so much more than just a colorful romp through a plastic world. It's like the movie took everything you thought you knew about Barbie and turned it on its head—in the best way possible.

Right from the opening, you can tell this isn’t your typical toy-turned-movie. The first few minutes? Chef’s kiss. We get a wild, almost 2001: A Space Odyssey kind of vibe where Barbie’s world is introduced in a perfect, dreamlike sequence. It’s like if Instagram came to life—everything is glowing, picture-perfect, and just a little too perfect. And the whole thing plays like a parody, so there’s this layer of self-awareness that makes it clear this isn’t just a movie about a doll, but a hilarious commentary on the concept of perfection itself.

Margot Robbie as Barbie? Oh my God. She absolutely nails it. You know, Barbie is supposed to be this symbol of idealized beauty and unrealistic perfection, but Robbie brings so much humanity to the character. She’s charming, sweet, and has a deeply relatable side—one that starts to question everything when she begins to feel... well, not so perfect. There’s something almost existential about the way Robbie plays her. Barbie starts off as the personification of perfection—flawless skin, perfect hair, never a bad day. But as she realizes she’s more than just a shiny face, the movie becomes this wild ride of self-discovery, and it’s seriously so much fun to watch.

Then there’s Ryan Gosling as Ken. My dude, Ken is an absolute trip. From the start, you can tell Ken is living in Barbie’s shadow, and he’s perfectly okay with it. At first, he’s basically just her accessory, but as the movie unfolds, we see him grappling with his own lack of identity. Gosling, with his comedic genius, really brings out the goofy, sometimes heartbroken, and surprisingly vulnerable side of Ken. The whole “I’m Just Ken” song? I was crying laughing—but also kinda sad because it’s real in its own way. Who knew Ken could have such a rich inner life? Honestly, the fact that Ken has a full-on identity crisis in this movie? Iconic.

And let me tell you, the movie is visually stunning. Barbieland looks like a pastel-colored fever dream. Every inch of the set is designed to be as visually perfect as Barbie herself. The whole thing feels like stepping into a weirdly beautiful dollhouse, but also... kinda unsettling. Gerwig and the design team really know how to create a world that’s both eye-catching and a little eerie, and I think that’s on purpose. It’s not just about the shiny surface—it’s about the cracks beneath it. The whole look and feel of Barbieland tell a story, which is genius.

Now, let’s talk about the soundtrack because—wow—it’s a whole mood. The music takes a cheeky, self-aware approach, and it perfectly matches the film’s tone. You’ll hear upbeat, poppy tunes, but then there are these moments where the music gets deeper, more introspective, and it hits hard. There’s a part where Barbie steps into the real world, and the whole sequence feels like a total culture shock. You get the fun of the Barbie world, and then this jarring moment where reality comes crashing in. The way the movie uses sound and visuals to capture the contrast between these two worlds? So smart. And yes, I’m still humming “I’m Just Ken.”

But honestly, what makes this film more than just a colorful comedy is the heart. There’s a whole lot of social commentary here about gender roles, expectations, and the pressure to be perfect. But it’s done in such a real way, even if it’s wrapped in all this ridiculousness. It feels like the film is trying to say: “Hey, perfection doesn’t exist. It’s okay to not have it all figured out.” And that’s not just for Barbie—it’s for all of us. One of my favorite moments in the film is when Barbie realizes that her world is built on the idea of perfection, but perfection is kind of a prison. It’s relatable, and it makes you think about your own life for a second.

America Ferrera, who plays a key character in the real world, also shines. She’s the person who helps Barbie navigate this strange new world. Ferrera’s character feels real, grounded, and just so likeable. You can tell she’s the voice of reason, but in a way that’s not preachy—just genuine. She’s seen the pressures of being a woman in society, and that gives Barbie the perspective she needs to start understanding who she really is. It’s refreshing, honestly, to see a film that takes such deep themes and blends them with humor without losing its emotional weight.

I won’t spoil the ending, but let me just say, it’s a satisfying payoff. It’s emotional, but not in an over-the-top way. The movie doesn’t try to shove its message down your throat. Instead, it’s about the small, human moments that make us feel understood. And the fact that this comes from a movie about a toy—yeah, that’s some next-level storytelling.

In the end, Barbie is just a masterpiece. It’s the kind of movie that’s not only entertaining but actually makes you think—and it’s also the kind of movie you’ll want to watch again. Whether you’re laughing at Ken’s antics or reflecting on the deeper themes of identity and self-worth, this movie has something for everyone. And the fact that it’s about Barbie—a toy most people think of as just a superficial icon—makes it all the more impressive. This film is smart, hilarious, and full of heart. Greta Gerwig really pulled off something special here.

In short? Go see Barbie. You might just leave feeling like you’ve had the best ride of your life—one that’s just as colorful, complicated, and wonderfully unexpected as Barbie herself.