Carin S

Barbie, what comes to mind when you hear the name? Superficial? Vacuous? Materialistic? Barbie, the doll and her accessories, have been a household fixture in America for over 50 years. So, I expected a trite, unrealistic storyline from Barbie, the movie, something that would appeal to a tween crowd at most. However, from the unexpected opening scene to the subtle nuances of storyline, to the ability of Mattel to clown itself, it was anything but that. Barbie, the movie, was an unexpectedly powerful tale of what Barbie’s creator’s vision was and what she wanted the doll to become. It was a fantastic voyage, with a slightly trite storyline, that should show everyone who viewed it the cultural realities that exist versus the fantasyland of Barbie’s reality. Capped off with a powerful monologue by America Ferrera that had the entire audience applauding in the theatre. It was fun, it was funny, it sent a message. I hope every little girl, not just in America, but around the world, sees it and is empowered by it.