By: Fletcher Pike

*Warning: This review contains small spoilers

‘Barbie’ is a movie directed and co-written by Greta Gerwig that was released in theaters on July 21st, 2023. This film is a visually fantastic creation that captivates the bright pink land of the Barbie franchise. It features actors such as Margot Robbie in the role of the protagonist Barbie, and Ryan Gosling in the role of Ken. This movie also includes popular actors such as Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and Micheal Cera.

‘Barbie’ tells the story of Barbie living in Barbie Land with a perfect life filled with fun which comes to a stop when she begins to feel powerful emotions that aren’t like her own. She must travel to the real world and discover who her owner is and what is causing her to experience these new emotions.

Accompanied by Ken, Barbie navigates through this new unusual world of humans, and discovers severe differences from Barbie Land. She finds that gender inequality, bullying, and negativity are all common things that she comes across in this new world, and she begins to adapt to these new feelings that she has.

Ken begins to learn about the almost ‘reversed’ gender roles in the real world compared to Barbie Land, and spreads these new ideas back to Barbie Land, causing more chaos. Some themes that are implemented in the movie include feminism, gender equality, and emotional value.

I found this movie to be both comedic yet emotional with stunning and colorful visuals accompanied by a wonderful soundtrack featuring artists like Lizzo, Dua Lipa, and Billie Ellish that embodies the pink, vibrant land of Barbie.

The acting performed by both Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling was filled with hilarious and fun dialogue that really brought the movie to life. I found myself both amused yet moved by the duality between humor and emotion.

The plot was not what I was entirely expecting. The theme of feeling deep and powerful emotions was not a theme I would’ve associated with Barbie, and yet the movie perfected it wonderfully.

Overall, I had a fantastic time watching this movie and I would definitely watch it again. The combination of great visuals, soundtrack, and acting would have me rate it a 10/10.