Kathy Gardner

This film lacks purpose. It can’t decide if it’s going to be a surrealistic fantasy, a satire, an apology, a commentary on hegemony, masogynism, feminism or sexism, or a musical. As such, it’s a mess, self indulgent, meandering, never gets the audience on a train of plot that anyone can stick with. There is a lot of cuteness, memorabilia, and a few poignant statements. I am wondering if Mattel believes this film is its attempt at reviving, a modern Barbie market from a history tainted with me too and decades of stereotypical harms done to girls and women around Barbies message. Yes, Barbie can be whatever she wants, but only if she stays beautiful, anorexic, young, has no cellulite, a perfect figure, lots of clothes, and, of course, Ken.