Malika A – Google

*SPOILER FREE* This campy, hilarious, and often poignant movie is, in many ways, an exceptional piece of art. Unless you’re an angry old man. Firstly, the set and costuming of this movie is phenomenal. Accurate references to popular and iconic Barbies, gorgeous outfits, and sets with visual callbacks to toys from a young woman’s childhood. There isn’t a hair out of place unless it’s supposed to be. The actors do a stellar performance. Originally, when I saw the trailer, I wasn’t confident in Ryan Goslings ability to carry Ken as a character. In retrospect, I grossly underestimated his talent, as he was one of the strongest actors in the film (if not the strongest). But everyone’s performances were up to par, with a commitment to really becoming a live-action doll. The writing is witty - sharp and meta-cognizant with a wonderful sense of playfulness. The jokes are hilarious and delivered well by the actors, who seem to be in on the bit the whole time. This is one of the only areas I have an issue with though. Many of the monologues are just too on the nose. While I’m not one to shy away from a feminist undertone, the movie can occasionally feel like it’s hitting you over the head with its social commentary. I assume this was for an audience of young people with lower analytical skills, but it still came across as patronizing. Most of the anger I’ve seen in online discourse is unmerited from my opinion. This movie is very much a feminist film, which is an area of contention in many reviews. Barbie, as a character, has come under major scrutiny over the past 15 years for being a negative image for young women. It would be a disservice to the brand to not address some issues regarding feminism. The movie does a good job of keeping these issues central to the plot, while still letting the humour cut through the fat and keep you entertained. I would definitely rewatch this. As a film buff, you’ll be amazed by the technical depth of the Barbie world and the mixed styles of filming used to juxtapose reality from fantasy. As a young woman, it’s such a good nostalgia-bait chick flick, filled to the brim with pink. And if you’re not in the target demographic - idk go watch top gun 🤷‍♀️. Overall - 9/10

Pixar has a reputation for making movies that both kids and adults enjoy but with Soul they have taken it to a new level. Stunning visuals and animation, likeable characters, humour sprinkled throughout the plot, and an existential, inspirational storyline. I cannot recommend it highly enough, it is easily the best Pixar movie that has been released in the past few years, if not ever. It lives up to every bit of hype.