TravelingbeebryantRN & Flicks_withNick

Hi Barbie! Hi Barbie! Hi Ken!

The latest movie from Warner Brothers brings us Barbie. The movie stars Margot Robbie, alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken. The movie is directed and written by Greta Gerwig. Noah Baumbach also wrote the movie. As of this writing Barbie has a rotten Tomato score of 88%, with an audience score of 84%. 

The movie opens with a homage of the beginning scene in 2001: Space Odyssey, and we are introduced to Barbie. After we are transported to Barbieworld, which is narrated by the talented Helen Mirren.  The world building is bright, detailed, and colorful. I love all the different Barbies they introduce, as part of this world. We are also introduced to the different Ken’s in the world, and even Allan. The music they play during the world building is catchy, and provides some comical meta humor. 

Changes start happening to Barbie, and she needs to go on a journey to the  real world, to resolve the issue.  Ken sneaks himself on board, and together they land in Venice Beach and Los Angeles. This is where we get some “fish out of water” jokes, as this is a big change from the utopia she’s used to.  You get some Toy Story and Lego movie vibes, where we even find Will Ferrell in the real world, as CEO of Mattell. 

Barbie goes back to Barbieworld, and their Utopia has crumbled. It’s up to a mother and daughter from the real world, to help Barbie bring balance to Barbieworld This is where I thought the plot was a little flimsy. I liked the message they were trying to provide, I just thought they mishandled the execution. They still provide plenty of jokes, including Matchbox 20’s song “Push”, and even a Zach Synder reference. 

Overall I enjoyed the movie, even with it sometimes being formulaic, and the third act falling short. The movie provides plenty of humor, dancing, and signing for the whole family to enjoy. Greta Gerwig had a tough challenge of taking a toy, and bringing an enjoyable movie to life. For the most part, I think she sticks the landing. Everyone should go out, and enjoy this summer blockbuster hit. I rate this movie a 3 out of 5. 

Addendum -My mother in law told us about how they went to the movies, and brought their  own peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. We teased and asked  if she brought any deviled eggs like Alan in Two and Half Men. What is the weirdest snack you’ve brought to the theaters? My wife was inspired by her mother and brought snacks for the both of us, including Skinny Pop and  Smart Sweets.   Sorry no microwaved fish or Brussels sprouts this time.