Abi Bennett

Wow! What a film! I saw it on Friday, and at first (from the trailers) it may seem like a cheesy comedy with two famous toys as the mains, but it has a lot going for it. Margot Robbie as Barbie: perfect! She brings the character to life with her incredible acting and also adds the depths of how Barbie was originally seen Ryan Gosling as Ken: also amazing! He brings both hilarity and also puts you in deeper thought about what he is trying to relate The director/sets: I could see from the trailer that director, Great Gerwig, understood the assignment for the movie. I mean, just look at the pointed toes scene?! Although maybe not for younger kids, it is still hilarious and heartwarming. And the sets with the dream houses, clothes and vehicles are all on point for 'Barbie Land'. Having grown up playing with Barbie, I felt so much nostalgia throughout, which should be natural for a doll who was been in pop culture for over 6 decades now. Themes: it touches on the theme of existentialism and also how a matriarchal society can be just as damaging and shows how it needs to be balanced. With the theme of existentialism, Barbie doesn't want her life to change and would rather have things the way they were, but (like with growing up) sometimes we have to put aside 'playtime' and imagination and focus on life and what else is out there. With the matriarchay, we see how Ken (Ryan Gosling) feel like an accessory to Barbie and wants to prove himself to her (most likely out of love), but because of his naivety, he goes about it the wrong way and pushes her aside (which both humourously and seriously parallels real life). And while is can been seen as problematic for a few, it also shows the difference it can cause. (If there's one thing I would have like to have seen is Barbie and Ken actually getting together, but I digress) Overall, it is a hilarious tribute to an iconic figure, whilst also containing lessons that many should hear.