Barbie

Showtimes August 18 - 24:

Margot Robbie stars as “Stereotypical Barbie,” a stylish blonde who drives a pink Thunderbird and resides in a literal dream house. She spends every day living her best life in the company of other Barbies and being dreamily admired by her Ken (Ryan Gosling), a lovesick puppy who is never quite comfortable in his own skin despite his good looks.

In Barbieland, all problems of feminism and equal rights have been solved. Here, big-haired dolls can be anything (lawyers, doctors, physicists, presidents…). And Barbies believe they’re inspiring equivalent feminine achievement out in the real world. (“We fixed everything so all women in the real world are happy and powerful!”) But when the dolls get a chance to go to the real world, they quickly discover things may be more complicated.

Pepped up by Gosling’s deliciously vacuous performance, by Robbie, who wields her role like a genial ringmaster, and by an A-list cast including Helen Mirren, Rhea Perlman, Kate McKinnon, Will Farrell, and John Cena, this film is a summer sensation. Hardcore Barbie fans will squee at the nostalgic fashion and accessory references, while those who never played with the dolls will cackle at the film’s irreverent humor. It’s also Gerwig’s vision, along with the work of her production designers and songwriters, that make the film pack its punch. Some of the funniest sequences, including the now iconic power ballad “I’m Just Ken,” send up the patriarchy memorably through song and dance. The sum of so many incredible parts, Barbie is about as sly, subversive, and fun as a movie can be.

“When I became a father I searched for movies that would show my daughter positive role models, and it was tough going. Barbie makes up for lost time and should warm the hearts of parents and daughters alike” – Leonard Maltin

(US / 2023 / Directed by Greta Gerwig)
PG-13 / 1 hr 54 mins.