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Barbie (2023) Parent Guide

Creating a witty, campy, original film about plastic dolls is a genuine achievement..

Theaters: When Barbie's perfect life is rocked by unexplained phenomena, she and Ken go on a trip to the real world to save Barbie Land.

Release date July 21, 2023

Run Time: 114 minutes

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The guide to our grades, parent movie review by kirsten hawkes.

Barbie (Margot Robbie) is living her dream life in her bright pink dream house. She enjoys non-stop validation and entertainment in a world where her fellow Barbies can achieve anything – winning Nobel prizes, flying into space, or being President. Secure in the conviction that the success of Barbies inspires girls in the far-off “real” world, she’s able to party enthusiastically with Ken (Ryan Gosling) and her friends, at least, until she has sudden, irrepressible thoughts of death.

That’s not all. The next morning, Barbie wakes up with (horror of horrors) flat feet and is unable to drift down the levels of her stairless house. After she lands with a thud on the sidewalk, our protagonist visits Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon) to uncover the cause of these disturbing phenomena. She learns that her answers can only be found in the real world, so she hops into her convertible to save Barbie Land. Unable to exist outside Barbie’s gaze, Ken insists on coming along, but their experiences in Los Angeles have dire consequences for their pink, plastic reality…

When Barbie arrives in LA, she discovers that not only do women not enjoy the female successes found in Barbie Land; some of them resent Barbie and her fellow dolls for fostering unreasonable expectations. Barbie is horrified to encounter both misogyny and patriarchy – but these attitudes give Ken a sense of visibility and respect. This cognitive divergence drives the rest of the plot and leads to an existential crisis for both characters and their entire community.

Jaded critic that I am, it’s not often that I get excited about a film, but I want to give two big thumbs-up to Greta Gerwig for co-writing and directing a movie that kept me guessing for its entire runtime. I honestly did not know how this movie was going to end, and that’s such a refreshing change. The script is also laugh-out-loud funny – Depression Barbie binge-watching Pride & Prejudice was a particularly rich moment for me, but theatergoers at my showing burst into laughter at frequent intervals.

There’s no doubt this film has been written for adult audiences (particularly women) but it can also be enjoyed by teens. Negative content is limited to minor innuendo, infrequent profanity, and some farcical violence. This is more than balanced by the movie’s positive themes. Barbie doesn’t just dissect the harms of structural misogyny; it drives home a strong message of female empowerment. When disillusioned Barbie moans that she’s “not smart enough to be interesting”, real world mom Gloria (America Ferrera) delivers an impassioned plea for female self-acceptance in a culture of unattainable, often contradictory expectations.

More impressively, this isn’t just a film about female disempowerment or rage. The script has the courage to look at the Kens and the consequences of ongoing marginalization, even when it results from cluelessness instead of malicious intent. As Barbie and Ken look beyond social constructs and examine their own interests and priorities, the movie becomes a tale of self-acceptance and maturation. Barbie is more than an advertorial for a child’s plaything: it’s a parable about individual agency. And stories don’t get much deeper than that.

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Kirsten hawkes, watch the trailer for barbie (2023).

Barbie (2023) Rating & Content Info

Why is Barbie (2023) rated PG-13? Barbie (2023) is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for suggestive references and brief language.

Violence: There are chase scenes involving reckless driving. There are scenes of physical fighting involving hitting, kicking, and shoving. Male characters have a “war” in which sports equipment is used in place of weapons. A man is put in a headlock with the handle of a shovel. A woman punches a man for slapping her backside. A man hits himself hard enough to fall over. Sexual Content: There is a coded reference to masturbation. Doll characters reference the “blobs” inside the male dolls’ jeans. There is some mild sexual innuendo. A main character refers to a “penis” and “vagina” and says that they don’t have any genitals. A man slaps a woman’s backside. A doll “grows” breasts when her arm is turned in circles. Song lyrics bemoan a character’s permanent state of virginity. Profanity: A sexual expletive is bleeped out. There are a half dozen terms of deity and minor profanities. Alcohol / Drug Use: None noted.

Page last updated July 20, 2023

Barbie (2023) Parents' Guide

What effect does Barbie and Ken’s relationship have on the rest of the film? What does their relationship say about power differentials? How does that influence the way Ken reacts to his experience in the real world? How do you think Barbie can remain unaware of Ken’s feelings? What does their relationship say about real-life relationships?

What do you think of Barbie’s choice at the end of the movie? Would you make the same decision? Why or why not?

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"Barbie," director and co-writer Greta Gerwig ’s summer splash, is a dazzling achievement, both technically and in tone. It’s a visual feast that succeeds as both a gleeful escape and a battle cry. So crammed with impeccable attention to detail is "Barbie” that you couldn’t possibly catch it all in a single sitting; you’d have to devote an entire viewing just to the accessories, for example. The costume design (led by two-time Oscar winner Jacqueline Durran ) and production design (led by six-time Oscar nominee Sarah Greenwood ) are constantly clever and colorful, befitting the ever-evolving icon, and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto (a three-time Oscar nominee) gives everything a glossy gleam. It’s not just that Gerwig & Co. have recreated a bunch of Barbies from throughout her decades-long history, outfitted them with a variety of clothing and hairstyles, and placed them in pristine dream houses. It’s that they’ve brought these figures to life with infectious energy and a knowing wink.

“Barbie” can be hysterically funny, with giant laugh-out-loud moments generously scattered throughout. They come from the insularity of an idyllic, pink-hued realm and the physical comedy of fish-out-of-water moments and choice pop culture references as the outside world increasingly encroaches. But because the marketing campaign has been so clever and so ubiquitous, you may discover that you’ve already seen a fair amount of the movie’s inspired moments, such as the “ 2001: A Space Odyssey ” homage and Ken’s self-pitying ‘80s power ballad. Such is the anticipation industrial complex.

And so you probably already know the basic plot: Barbie ( Margot Robbie ), the most popular of all the Barbies in Barbieland, begins experiencing an existential crisis. She must travel to the human world in order to understand herself and discover her true purpose. Her kinda-sorta boyfriend, Ken ( Ryan Gosling ), comes along for the ride because his own existence depends on Barbie acknowledging him. Both discover harsh truths—and make new friends –along the road to enlightenment. This bleeding of stark reality into an obsessively engineered fantasy calls to mind the revelations of “ The Truman Show ” and “The LEGO Movie,” but through a wry prism that’s specifically Gerwig’s.

This is a movie that acknowledges Barbie’s unrealistic physical proportions—and the kinds of very real body issues they can cause in young girls—while also celebrating her role as a feminist icon. After all, there was an astronaut Barbie doll (1965) before there was an actual woman in NASA’s astronaut corps (1978), an achievement “Barbie” commemorates by showing two suited-up women high-fiving each other among the stars, with Robbie’s Earth-bound Barbie saluting them with a sunny, “Yay, space!” This is also a movie in which Mattel (the doll’s manufacturer) and Warner Bros. (the film’s distributor) at least create the appearance that they’re in on the surprisingly pointed jokes at their expense. Mattel headquarters features a spacious, top-floor conference room populated solely by men with a heart-shaped, “ Dr. Strangelove ”-inspired lamp hovering over the table, yet Will Ferrell ’s CEO insists his company’s “gender-neutral bathrooms up the wazoo” are evidence of diversity. It's a neat trick.

As the film's star, Margot Robbie finds just the right balance between satire and sincerity. She’s the perfect casting choice; it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed stunner completely looks the part, of course, but she also radiates the kind of unflagging, exaggerated optimism required for this heightened, candy-coated world. Later, as Barbie’s understanding expands, Robbie masterfully handles the more complicated dialogue by Gerwig and her co-writer and frequent collaborator, filmmaker Noah Baumbach . From a blinding smile to a single tear and every emotion in between, Robbie finds the ideal energy and tone throughout. Her performance is a joy to behold.

And yet, Ryan Gosling is a consistent scene-stealer as he revels in Ken’s himbo frailty. He goes from Barbie’s needy beau to a swaggering, macho doofus as he throws himself headlong into how he thinks a real man should behave. (Viewers familiar with Los Angeles geography will particularly get a kick out of the places that provide his inspiration.) Gosling sells his square-jawed character’s earnestness and gets to tap into his “All New Mickey Mouse Club” musical theater roots simultaneously. He’s a total hoot.

Within the film’s enormous ensemble—where the women are all Barbies and the men are all Kens, with a couple of exceptions—there are several standouts. They include a gonzo Kate McKinnon as the so-called “Weird Barbie” who places Robbie’s character on her path; Issa Rae as the no-nonsense President Barbie; Alexandra Shipp as a kind and capable Doctor Barbie; Simu Liu as the trash-talking Ken who torments Gosling’s Ken; and America Ferrera in a crucial role as a Mattel employee. And we can’t forget Michael Cera as the one Allan, bumbling awkwardly in a sea of hunky Kens—although everyone else forgets Allan.

But while “Barbie” is wildly ambitious in an exciting way, it’s also frustratingly uneven at times. After coming on strong with wave after wave of zippy hilarity, the film drags in the middle as it presents its more serious themes. It’s impossible not to admire how Gerwig is taking a big swing with heady notions during the mindless blockbuster season, but she offers so many that the movie sometimes stops in its propulsive tracks to explain itself to us—and then explain those points again and again. The breezy, satirical edge she established off the top was actually a more effective method of conveying her ideas about the perils of toxic masculinity and entitlement and the power of female confidence and collaboration.

One character delivers a lengthy, third-act speech about the conundrum of being a woman and the contradictory standards to which society holds us. The middle-aged mom in me was nodding throughout in agreement, feeling seen and understood, as if this person knew me and was speaking directly to me. But the longtime film critic in me found this moment a preachy momentum killer—too heavy-handed, too on-the-nose, despite its many insights.

Still, if such a crowd-pleasing extravaganza can also offer some fodder for thoughtful conversations afterward, it’s accomplished several goals simultaneously. It’s like sneaking spinach into your kid’s brownies—or, in this case, blondies.

Available in theaters on July 21st.

Christy Lemire

Christy Lemire is a longtime film critic who has written for RogerEbert.com since 2013. Before that, she was the film critic for The Associated Press for nearly 15 years and co-hosted the public television series "Ebert Presents At the Movies" opposite Ignatiy Vishnevetsky, with Roger Ebert serving as managing editor. Read her answers to our Movie Love Questionnaire here .

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Film Credits

Barbie (2023)

Rated PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language.

114 minutes

Margot Robbie as Barbie

Ryan Gosling as Ken

America Ferrera as Gloria

Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO

Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie

Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha

Issa Rae as President Barbie

Rhea Perlman as Ruth Handler

Hari Nef as Doctor Barbie

Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie

Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie

Michael Cera as Allan

Helen Mirren as Narrator

Simu Liu as Ken

Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie

John Cena as Kenmaid

Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken

Scott Evans as Ken

Jamie Demetriou as Mattel Executive

Greta Gerwig
Noah Baumbach

Cinematographer

Rodrigo Prieto
Alexandre Desplat
Mark Ronson

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Is the New "Barbie" Movie Appropriate For Kids? Here's What Parents Should Know

Updated on 9/13/2023 at 1:25 PM

Barbie, the beloved childhood icon, has been given a live-action makeover in a new movie that's unlike the Barbie stories of the past. Instead, the doll we grew up with comes to life in a brand-new cinematic adventure directed by Greta Gerwig , starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken.

Barbie (the doll) is fit for all ages. But is the new "Barbie" movie appropriate for kids? Here's what you should know about the "Barbie" movie plot and how the movie, which is now in theaters and newly streaming on Prime Video , is faring among parents and experts. This way, you can make an informed decision before you take the kids to the theater or let them watch from home.

How Long Is the New "Barbie" Movie?

"Barbie" runs for one hour and 54 minutes, according to IMDb , or 114 minutes. That alone is a sign that this movie isn't geared toward little ones. Kids' movies tend to be shorter, no more than 100 minutes, to accommodate their shorter attention spans.

What Is the "Barbie" Movie Rated?

The "Barbie" movie is rated PG-13, which means (literally): "Parental Guidance: some material may be inappropriate for children under 13." It's meant to be a strong caution for parents to consider when deciding whether to let their kids see a movie. For "Barbie" specifically, the movie has been rated PG-13 due to "suggestive references" and "brief language."

Is the "Barbie" Movie Appropriate For Kids?

One of the biggest differences between the new movie and earlier Barbie movies like "Barbie and the Secret Door," "The Princess & the Popstar," and "A Fashion Fairytale" is that Gerwig's "Barbie" is not animated. These are real people.

And unlike live-action remakes of kids' films like "The Little Mermaid," which retain the animated original's themes and sense of fantasy, "Barbie" depicts characters in real-world situations, dealing with real-world problems — the characters grapple with dating, aging, beauty standards, and harassment. The plot is centered on Barbie's existential crisis, which is a pretty heavy topic in and of itself.

All this to say, the plot is more adult than Barbie movies of the past. It includes playful humor that might appeal to all audiences, but this movie is geared toward a more grown-up audience.

From the trailer alone, we see Barbie getting her butt slapped on the beach, punching a man in the face, and appearing to get arrested with Ken.

IMDb reports that the movie contains several sexual innuendos and references to the characters' (lack of) genitals. "One scene shows Ken asking Barbie if he can stay over as they're 'girlfriend and boyfriend.' When Barbie asks 'to do what?' Ken pauses before saying 'I'm actually not sure,'" Danny Brogan, executive editor at Common Sense Media, told Yahoo! Life .

It's a line that may go over kids' heads — but that also means that, at the end of the day, the movie may not be particularly funny or interesting to them.

There's also some violence (but nothing overly frightening; no blood, gore, or any weapons are used) and some mild risqué language, including one bleeped-out use of the mf-word. The movie also has some more grown-up jokes (like a joke that centers on the word "beach" and jokes about beauty standards and the patriarchy). However, like the joke about being boyfriend/girlfriend, these jokes are very likely to go over the head of someone who is younger without leaving any holes in the plotline.

"I think Gerwig has included all this mature content knowing that a large portion of the audience will be millennials and members of Generation Z — people who grew up with Barbie during the '80s, '90s, and '00s — looking for that nostalgia but also to be entertained," Brogan told Yahoo! Life.

Personally, I went to see the movie with my 16-year-old, and I felt it was perfectly appropriate for her in terms of the message of the movie and the jokes. She was old enough to understand the storyline's humor, nostalgia, and positive messages. I wouldn't hesitate to allow my 14-year-old to watch the movie, either. However, I would have pause in allowing my 9-year-old to watch the movie, but only because I don't think they would find it interesting, and the jokes would go above their head.

With that info in mind, the PG-13 rating seems accurate — this isn't a movie for tweens and younger, not necessarily because of the content, but because much of it might be over their heads and not as entertaining.

How Do You Know If Your Kid Is Ready to See the "Barbie" Movie?

Dr. Amanda Gummer , child psychologist, parenting expert, and founder of The Good Play Guide, tells POPSUGAR that parents should consider what other movies their kids have seen and look at the marketing material of the "Barbie" movie to get a feel for if it's appropriate for their kid. "A good place to start is to consider how your child has reacted to other similarly rated films," Dr. Gummer says. "Past experiences are great to consider their readiness for PG-13 content."

She continues, "Have a look at the pre-marketing materials and trailers and think about the different themes, language, potential violence levels, and sexual content [that] might appear. Think about what your child likes to do or watch and what they are already exposed to, as some children can be more sensitive to certain topics than others."

Dr. Gummer also suggests watching the movie together with your kid, so you can talk about what you saw after the film. "If you decide your child is ready to watch, then why not watch it together and allocate some time after to grab a milkshake and chat about what you've seen?" she suggests. "This allows you to provide context, answer questions, and have fun talking things through."

The movie does cover some big topics like feminism, beauty standards, body image, harassment, and patriarchy, which might be heavy for some younger teens, or they can be a good jumping-off point for important conversations. "Why not start a conversation about beauty standards and talk about how different standards can influence a person's self-esteem and body image and how harassment is unacceptable and can hurt others?" Dr. Gummer suggests. "The 'Barbie' movie and its inclusive and positive positioning is a wonderful springboard to have discussions around a supportive environment. The film covers topics such as friendship, openness, and inclusivity, so it's a great springboard to start conversations with your children and promote healthy values."

Dr. Gummer says she's "excited" about the movie hitting the big screens because it allows parents to talk to preteens and teens about important topics. "For me, it represents a positive move that can serve as a great role model for older children, as it provides essential values and encourages conversation around different themes," she says. "Through the diverse range of personalities and characters in the movie, there is a great opportunity to discuss inclusivity, acceptance, and the value of individuality — all really important topics today and helpful as children understand and appreciate the differences in others."

Ultimately, you know your kid best. If you have checked out the plotline and read some reviews and are still not sure if now is the right time for your kid to see "Barbie," stick to one of the animated stories instead. The live-action movie will always be there in a few months or years when the timing is right.

"Barbie" opened in theaters nationwide on July 21.

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Barbie review: Welcome to Greta Gerwig's fiercely funny, feminist Dreamhouse

The Barbie movie could’ve been another forgettable, IP-driven cash grab. Instead, the director of Little Women and Lady Bird has crafted a neon pink delight.

Devan Coggan (rhymes with seven slogan) is a senior writer at Entertainment Weekly. Most of her personality is just John Mulaney quotes and Lord of the Rings references.

When Warner Bros. announced plans to launch a Barbie movie, the entire premise sounded a bit like a game of Hollywood Mad Libs gone wrong: Quick, name a beloved indie director ( Greta Gerwig !), an unadapted piece of intellectual property (Barbie dolls!), and an adjective (neon pink!). Every new piece of information that trickled out on the (lengthy) press tour seemed stranger than the last. Gerwig ( Lady Bird , Little Women ) cited 2001: A Space Odyssey and Gene Kelly musicals as her biggest inspirations. Elaborate dance numbers were teased. Ryan Gosling gave a lot of quotes about something called " Kenergy ." What actually was this movie, and could it possibly live up to all that hot pink buzz?

The verdict? Never doubt Gerwig. The Oscar-nominated filmmaker has crafted a fierce, funny, and deeply feminist adventure that dares you to laugh and cry, even if you're made of plastic. It's certainly the only summer blockbuster to pair insightful criticisms of the wage gap with goofy gags about Kens threatening to "beach" each other off.

The film (in theaters this Friday) whisks viewers away to Barbie Land, a candy-colored toy box wonderland of endless sunshine. It's there that our titular heroine ( Margot Robbie ) spends her days, each just as magical and neon as the one before. There are always other Barbies to party with — including Doctor Barbie ( Hari Nef ), President Barbie ( Issa Rae ), and Mermaid Barbie ( Dua Lipa ) — as well as an endless supply of devoted Kens, led by Gosling's frequently shirtless boy-toy. It's a plastic paradise for Robbie's Stereotypical Barbie, the type of doll that immediately comes to mind when you think of Barbie.

But something's gone wrong. Her Malibu Dreamhouse malfunctions; her mind is clouded by un-Barbie-like thoughts of death; and her perfectly arched feet now fall flat on the floor. So, our heroine sets out to seek some answers from Barbie Land's pseudo mystic, Weird Barbie ( Kate McKinnon ), who says a rift has opened up between their world and the real world, and she must brave the long trek to Los Angeles to find the human playing with her doll to remedy the situation. You bet her ever-loyal Ken (Gosling) is coming along for the ride.

Once Barbie and Ken begin roller-blading around L.A., however, they both realize that they've essentially entered a mirror dimension. Where are the female presidents, the CEOs, the astronauts? Barbie was supposed to empower young girls to dream big, but she hasn't had the feminist effect she anticipated — and in fact, she might have made things worse. Gerwig tackles the doll's complicated legacy head on, exploring how Barbie's reputation here isn't one of leadership or creativity but of corporatized objectification. Barbie herself is horrified, facing crude comments and misogyny for the first time in her (plastic) life. But to Ken, this newfound idea of patriarchy is intoxicating, and he quickly enters a spiral of masculinity, luxuriating in trucks, cowboy hats, and the addictive thrill of power.

Gosling has already scored praise for his earnest himbo performance, and in truth, he steals the show. For an actor who's spent much of his career brooding moodily (see: Blade Runner 2049 , Drive , First Man ), here, he finally gets to tap into his inner Mouseketeer , dramatically draping himself at Barbie's feet or breaking into a shirtless power ballad called "I'm Just Ken." His Ken has very little going on inside his brain, but his heart is brimming with emotion: love and admiration for Barbie, a longing for masculine validation, and a wide-eyed curiosity about the world around him.

Robbie still remains the real star of Barbie . Physically, the blonde Australian actress already looks like she stepped out of a Mattel box (something the film itself plays on during one particular gag), but she gives an impressively transformative performance, moving her arms and joints like they're actually made of plastic. Robbie has brought a manic physicality to previous films including Babylon and Birds of Prey , but she now embraces physical comedy to the max. (At one point, she face-plants on the floor, limbs askew like a toy dropped by a toddler.) As Barbie begins to discover more about the real world, Robbie's performance gradually shifts to become more human. One of the most moving moments comes about halfway through the film, as Barbie perches quietly on a park bench, silently observing the humans around her.

If the film has a flaw, it's that Barbie and Ken are so delightful that their real-world counterparts feel dull by comparison. America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt play a frazzled mother and her sardonic teen daughter, who've drifted apart over time. Ferrera fills her days at her boring Mattel office job by doodling alternative Barbies, ones that are plagued by cellulite or haunted by thoughts of death. Her feminist daughter is dismissive of everything Barbie represents, dressing down Robbie with a pointed sneer. Ferrera admirably delivers one of the film's biggest emotional speeches, but surprisingly, the human characters never feel quite as lived-in as their plastic doll companions.

Still, Barbie works hard to entertain both 11-year-old girls and the parents who'll bring them to the theater. Gerwig co-wrote the script with her partner and longtime collaborator Noah Baumbach , and the entire screenplay is packed with winking one-liners, the kind that reward a rewatch. The fear is that Hollywood will learn the wrong message from Barbie, rushing to green-light films about every toy gathering dust on a kid's playroom floor. (What's next, The Funko Pop Movie? Furby: Fully Loaded? We already have a Bobbleheads movie , so maybe we're already there.) But it's Gerwig's care and attention to detail that gives Barbie an actual point of view , elevating it beyond every other cynical, IP-driven cash grab. Turns out that life in plastic really can be fantastic. Grade: A-

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Barbie | 2023 | PG-13 | – 3.3.4

Barbie SEX/NUDITY 3

Barbie violence/gore 3, barbie language 4, barbie substance use, barbie discussion topics, barbie message.

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Barbie First Reviews: Hysterically Funny, Perfectly Cast, and Affectionately Crafted

Critics say greta gerwig's send-up of the iconic doll is a thoughtfully self-aware, laugh-out-loud comedy that benefits from a flawless margot robbie and a scene-stealing ryan gosling..

TAGGED AS: Comedy , First Reviews , movies

Here’s what critics are saying about Barbie :

Is the movie funny?

“ Barbie can be hysterically funny, with giant laugh-out-loud moments generously scattered throughout.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

“Often funny, occasionally very funny, but sometimes also somehow demure and inhibited, as if the urge to be funny can only be mean and satirical.” – Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

“The entire screenplay is packed with winking one-liners, the kind that reward a rewatch.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“One of the funniest comedies of the year.” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

Will fans of Greta Gerwig’s other movies enjoy Barbie?

“In some ways, Barbie builds on themes Gerwig explored in Lady Bird and Little Women .” – Lovia Gyarkye, Hollywood Reporter

“ Barbie balances the incredibly pointed specificity of the jokes and relatability of Lady Bird , with the celebration of women and the ability to show a new angle of something we thought we knew like we saw with Gerwig’s take on Little Women .” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

“Never doubt Gerwig.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

(Photo by ©Warner Bros. Pictures)

How is the script?

“It’s almost shocking how much this duo gets away with in this script, and in certain moments, like a major speech by America Ferrera’s Gloria, who works at Mattel, it’s beautiful that some of these scenes can exist in a big-budget summer film like this.” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

“One character delivers a lengthy, third-act speech about the conundrum of being a woman and the contradictory standards to which society holds us… [and it’s] a preachy momentum killer — too heavy-handed, too on-the-nose, despite its many insights. ” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

“The moments that aren’t just laughing at and with the crowd, however, are shoved into long, important monologues that, with each recitation, dull the impact of their message.” – Lovia Gyarkye, Hollywood Reporter

Does it stick the landing?

“The second half of Barbie bogs down a bit.” – Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune

”It’s frustratingly uneven at times. After coming on strong with wave after wave of zippy hilarity, the film drags in the middle as it presents its more serious themes.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

How does it look?

“It’s a visual feast.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

“Highest honors to production designer Sarah Greenwood, costume designer Jacqueline Durran and cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto.” – Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune

How is Margot Robbie as Barbie?

“She’s the perfect casting choice; it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role… Her performance is a joy to behold.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

“She gives an impressively transformative performance, moving her arms and joints like they’re actually made of plastic.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“Anything Gerwig and Baumbach’s verbally dexterous script requires, from Barbie’s first teardrop to the final punchline, Robbie handles with unerring precision.” – Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune

“Robbie is simply incredible in the title role… She has often excelled in these types of roles where we see the power a woman truly has in her environment, but there might not be a better example of that than in Barbie .” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

What about Ryan Gosling’s Ken?

“For an actor who’s spent much of his career brooding moodily, here, he finally gets to tap into his inner Mousketeer.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“Ryan Gosling is a consistent scene-stealer… He’s a total hoot.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

“Ken allows Gosling to go broad in a way that we’ve never seen him go before, and the result is charming, bizarre, and one of the most hysterical performances of the year.” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

Does it feel like a toy commercial?

“It’s Gerwig’s care and attention to detail that gives Barbie an actual point of view, elevating it beyond every other cynical, IP-driven cash grab.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“ Barbie could’ve just been a commercial, but Gerwig makes this life of plastic into something truly fantastic.” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

“This movie is perhaps a giant two-hour commercial for a product, although no more so than The Lego Movie , yet Barbie doesn’t go for the comedy jugular anywhere near as gleefully as that.” – Peter Bradshaw, Guardian

“The muddied politics and flat emotional landing of Barbie are signs that the picture ultimately serves a brand.” – Lovia Gyarkye, Hollywood Reporter

Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie in Barbie (2023)

Are there any big problems?

“If the film has a flaw, it’s that Barbie and Ken are so delightful that their real-world counterparts feel dull by comparison.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“The only segment of Barbie that doesn’t work as well as it maybe should is the addition of Mattel into this narrative.” – Ross Bonaime, Collider

“Because the marketing campaign has been so clever and so ubiquitous, you may discover that you’ve already seen a fair amount of the movie’s inspired moments.” – Christy Lemire, RogerEbert.com

Who is the movie ultimately for?

“ Barbie works hard to entertain both 11-year-old girls and the parents who’ll bring them to the theater.” – Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly

“ Barbie doesn’t have that tiring air of trying to be everything to everybody. With luck, and a big opening, it might actually find the audience it deserves just by being its curious, creative, buoyant self.” – Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune

Barbie opens in theaters everywhere on July 21, 2023.

Thumbnail image by ©Warner Bros. Pictures

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Is 'Barbie' a kid's movie? Understanding the movie's PG-13 rating

Warning: This post contains spoilers for "Barbie."

"Barbie" has been one of the most buzzed-about movies for over a year. The second photos leaked of stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling rollerblading across Venice Beach in neon outfits last summer, the world was obsessed.

But director Greta Gerwig wasn't quick to release details about the movie's plot. Even the film's official trailer reveals little about what actually goes down in theaters , according to the actors involved.

“You cannot even describe what this movie is. The trailers and sound bites allude to how much fun this movie is and how spectacular it is. But they don’t scratch the surface of how deep this movie goes, or all of the thematic elements of the film,” Simu Liu, who plays a Ken doll in the film, previously told TODAY.com .

Which leads us to ask: Is "Barbie," whose namesake is a favorite toy among young children , truly kid friendly? The short version is, yes, for young teens.

Why is 'Barbie' rated PG-13?

"Barbie" earned a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association for "suggestive references" and "brief language."

As for suggestive references, one of the film's teaser trailers shows a scene on the beach where Gosling's Ken says, “I would beach you off.” Liu’s Ken responds, “I’ll beach off with you any day,” which escalates until Robbie says, “Nobody’s gonna beach anyone off.”

There are other lines of dialogue with similar puns throughout the movie, like when Kate McKinnon's Weird Barbie character quips, “I’d like to see what smooth blob he’s packing in those shorts,” in reference to a Ken character.

Characters in the film say "b----" and "crap," at times, as well as once instance of "motherf---er," which is loudly bleeped.

'Barbie' is an exploration of major existential questions — in addition to dolls

The movie's description reads only: “To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.”

And as seen in the movie's trailer, Robbie's Barbie isn't just living her best day ever over and over again. During a choreographed dance routine with all of the Barbies at her Barbie Dream House, Barbie exclaims with a smile, "Do you guys ever think about dying?"

Existential themes more familiar to adults begin to take place throughout the film, especially as Barbie has to deal with flat feet, cellulite and depressive thoughts. And once Barbie goes into the real world and is exposed to sexism and the patriarchy, it sometimes hits a bit too close to how women are treated in society.

As Ken returns to Barbie Land radicalized by the patriarchy, there are some scenes of mild violence — but nothing that would scare a young child.

Gerwig's feminist tale does end with a win for the Barbies after the Kens' exposure to patriarchy — which may come as a welcome message.

Anna Kaplan is a news and trending reporter for TODAY.com.

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Of Course, the Barbie Movie Is Feminist—The Doll Has Been All Along

Given all the feminist trails Barbie has blazed over the decades, it's no surprise Barbie's major motion picture debut is bursting with girl power.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures / Getty Images

When the first teaser trailer for Barbie dropped last December, the 2001: A Space Odyssey -style scene (which also happens to be the film’s opening) offered a valuable nugget of Barbie history.

For centuries, little girls had dolls—baby dolls, specifically, and therefore, the type of pretend play they could engage in with their dolls was limited to imagining themselves as mothers. But in 1959, Barbie busted on the scene, and poof , everything changed.

From that point on, kids could play with a doll modeled after a teen or adult who had a range of aspirational careers. Barbie’s debut was also a sign of game-changing conversations, books and periodicals (like 1963’s The Feminine Mystique and Gloria Steinem’s Ms. magazine), and movements (from second-wave feminism to womanism ) that fueled professional and political progress for women in America.

Fast-forward to 2023: It’s no surprise the Greta Gerwig-directed Barbie movie is deeply, unapologetically feminist.

Spoiler alert: Several plot points and scenes are described below.

At first blush, Barbieland—the first of the film’s two main settings (the other being the “Real World” aka Los Angeles)—is exactly what you’d expect a live-action Barbie world to look like. It's extremely pink, bright, full of dream houses, pink convertibles, and a plasticine beach where the dolls can gather to soak up the sun and wave hello to their mermaid counterparts, played by Dua Lipa and John Cena, in the faux water.

However, within minutes, you notice that Barbieland touts a pink Capitol where President Barbie, played by Issa Rae, runs the government, the land’s Supreme Court is all female, and their version of Mount Rushmore is entirely made up of trailblazing Barbies.

Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures

“Stereotypical Barbie,” played by Margot Robbie, hangs out with Nobel Prize-winning physicist Barbie and Pulitzer prize-winning journalist Barbie among other inspiring girl boss dolls . Sure, there are Ken dolls, but it’s made clear that they don’t have much going on unless, say, their Barbie invites them to a party. Barbieland is a female-dominated paradise. And clearly, pink—a hue that for decades has been inexplicably linked to femininity—is a power color.

It isn’t until Robbie’s Barbie has to enter the Real World that she learns about the patriarchy, a word that pops up a lot in the script. While Ken suddenly feels noticed, powerful, and cool, Barbie’s harassed by men on the Venice boardwalk.

Barbie learns her creator, Mattel, doesn’t have a current female CEO as she anticipated. Though she had been under the impression that Barbie had made life better for girls and women in the "Real World," she’s offered a rude awakening in the form of evisceration from 13-year-old Sasha, played by Ariana Greenblatt. Sasha tells her that Barbie is bad for young people and that she sets problematic, unrealistic beauty standards.

She also finds out from Sasha’s mom, Gloria, played by America Ferrera, it’s pretty tough to be a woman in the "Real World," between being held to ridiculous expectations and facing glaring inequality. Yet, she begins to evolve and step into her own humanity, something that’s more beautiful than anything she could have ever imagined in Barbieland. This perfect storm ultimately leads to a battle of the sexes in Barbieland.

In other words, the Gerwig-penned script is anything but a fluffy, two-hour commercial for a doll. It’s bursting with feminist ideas and themes that, with hope, will spur exciting, educational conversations between parents and kids about why we don’t live in a world in which women have as much power as they do in Barbieland—and why it is a problem for anyone, no matter their gender, to be made to feel like an accessory, and more.

As a proud, lifelong feminist, and someone who’s eager to read books like Loryn Brantz’s Feminist Baby and Grace Byers’ I Am Enough to my future child, I also can’t wait to show them the Barbie movie one day.

In addition to its empowering messages, Barbie is making feminist history as we speak. The film raked in $162 million at the box office during its opening weekend. Although it would be nice to applaud Greta Gerwig for her achievements without having to point to her gender (because no one ever points out that someone like, say, Oppenheimer ’s Christopher Nolan is making waves as a male director), the fact is that Barbie now holds the record for the biggest box office debut ever for a film directed by a woman .

It’s just one more trail Barbie has blazed over the course of her feminist history. As a Twitter thread by BJ Colangelo points out, the first Barbie house was sold in 1962, a full decade before it became illegal for financial institutions to refuse loans to single women altogether or without a male cosigner. In 1965, the first astronaut Barbie hit the scene—almost 20 years before Sally Ride became the first human woman in space in 1983. Since 1992, Barbie has run for president every term. And the Barbie Vlog teaches kids about anti-Black racism, anti-Asian hate, gay dads, Hispanic Heritage Month, equity, diversity, inclusion , and, yep, feminist theory.

Mattel Films’ executive producer Robbie Brenner may have insisted to Time the film is “not a feminist movie.” But given Barbie’s feminist history, there is nothing else her first motion picture could have been.

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Barbie: big city, big dreams, common sense media reviewers.

Barbie musical promotes friendship and positive messages.

Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Meant to entertain rather than educate.

Songs and conversations about working hard to achi

Though faced with being out of place in her new pr

Heavily female cast. One of the two main character

A father speaks unkindly to daughter.

None on-screen but tie-ins to Mattel's Barbie movi

Educational Value

Positive messages.

Songs and conversations about working hard to achieve your goals and keeping a positive attitude. Characters learn competition isn't about winning at all cost, but about trying your best. Characters learn things aren't always what they seem and it's not best to assume. Lessons on honesty and being brave. A father lies to help his daughter get an edge in the competition.

Positive Role Models

Though faced with being out of place in her new program, Malibu Barbie keeps a positive attitude and doesn't give up. She and Brooklyn Barbie decide to help each other instead of working against each other even though they're competing for the same solo. They also help a side character who feels discouraged in his work and encourage him to keep trying.

Diverse Representations

Heavily female cast. One of the two main characters is a Black musician and dancer (also named Barbie Roberts). Dean of the school is a Black woman, and many of the side characters are of various racial and gender makeup. Mention of a mom being an airline pilot. Though there's a wide racial range of the cast, there's not much diversity in size and body type.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

None on-screen but tie-ins to Mattel's Barbie movies and merchandise.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams is an animated musical tale in the Barbie movie franchise . In this story, Barbie Roberts from Malibu (voiced by America Young ) travels to New York City for a summer performing arts program. There she meets Barbie Roberts from Brooklyn (Amber May), and the two become fast friends. The movie has clear, strong themes about working hard to achieve your goals and keeping a positive attitude, even when things get tough. Both Barbies learn that competition isn't about winning at all costs, but rather about trying your best. The cast is racially diverse, with strong female leads. But there's not much diversity in size and body type. Potentially upsetting moments include a father speaking unkindly to his daughter. He also lies to try to give his daughter an edge in the competition. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

Parents say (6)
Kids say (6)

Based on 6 parent reviews

Friendship; Great Music

Clean just not the best barbie movie out there, what's the story.

In BARBIE: BIG CITY, BIG DREAMS, Barbie Roberts (voiced by America Young ), dreaming of a Broadway career, travels from Malibu to New York City for a summer program at a performing arts school. When she gets there a day early, she discovers her roommate from Brooklyn is also named Barbie Roberts (Amber May), and the two quickly hit it off. They nickname each other "Brooklyn" and "Malibu" and both endure a summer of hard work to compete for a spotlight solo. Along the way Malibu struggles to keep up with the class, but keeps a positive attitude and doesn't give up. The talented teens learn it's better to lift each other up to try their best instead of tearing each other down to win at all costs. But when Brooklyn is injured in a dancing accident and someone accuses Malibu of sabotage, it's up to the friends to find the truth and discover who's earned the spotlight solo in the end.

Is It Any Good?

The Barbie franchise continues to evolve and showcase Barbie surrounded by a diverse cast and positive messages with talented girls and women. This movie takes it a step further by introducing not just another friend of Barbie, but an equally talented teen known as Barbie Roberts herself. But this Barbie is from Brooklyn, has dark skin, wears her hair in braids, and even wraps her hair at night. It's refreshing to see two heroines immediately hit it off and decide to help one another instead of seeing each other as rivals. Themes about friendship over competition are simple enough for the youngest viewers to understand. They may also enjoy the various elements of a performing arts school, with classes from band to dance and even fencing. The R&B and pop songs in Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams are catchy. This and the easy-to-follow plot makes it a cute story that should entertain its intended audience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about a time they've had to work hard at something new. How did it feel in the beginning? What went into getting better? How did it feel when you got better?

How did Malibu Barbie respond to not performing well in her classes? What do you notice about her attitude? What does she do to get better?

Malibu Barbie Roberts and Brooklyn Barbie Roberts had a lot in common besides their name. What were some of their similarities? How were they different? Who was your favorite character, and why did they stand out to you?

What was your favorite musical number in the movie? Why?

What character strengths did the main characters display?

Movie Details

On DVD or streaming : May 10, 2022
Cast : America Young , Amber May , Giselle Fernandez , Greg Chun , Kirsten Day
Director : Scott Pleydell-Pearce
Inclusion Information : Asian actors, Female actors
Studio : Netflix
Genre : Family and Kids
Topics : Arts and Dance , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
Run time : 63 minutes
MPAA rating : NR
Last updated : June 2, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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BARBIE Parents Guide + Movie Review

Written by Kami Leave a Comment

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Greta Gerwig’s Barbie is a worldwide revolution. Tackling feminism, the patriarchy, and a cotton candy color palette, Barbie is a true sensation. Although this movie is making headlines everywhere, is Barbie kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG-13 rating, in this Barbie Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s age appropriate for your kids. As always, no spoilers!

Since the first trailer was shown, the Barbie movie has taken the world by storm. The geniuses behind the marketing team deserve all the applause for the success of this movie. Their marketing campaign exuded pure brilliance.

What makes the Barbie movie so enticing, is the fact that Barbie has been around for decades, therefore, appealing to multiple generations. And while your first thought might be that this is a kids movie, this couldn’t be further than the truth. Surprisingly, Barbie’s target demographic is NOT children.

So, who is the Barbie movie for? Well, that’s easy. Barbie is for everyone.

Every day is the same day in Barbie Land — and it’s perfection. However, it is evident that each day in Barbie Land is reminiscent of Groundhog Day. It’s literally the same, perfect day, every single day. There are multiple Barbie’s in Barbie Land. Because Barbie can be anything, there is President Barbie, Physicist Barbie, Doctor Barbie, Mermaid Barbie, etc. Our story focuses on Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie).

Unwilling, Barbie begins to change. Her feet are suddenly flat, and she’s developing cellulite! She even has thoughts of (gasp) dying! Soon she finds herself in the middle of a full-blown existential crisis. With the advice of Weird Barbie (Kate McKinnon), Barbie sets off on an adventure to the real world (Los Angeles), in search of who has been playing with her, and thus putting these thoughts into her head.

Ken (Ryan Gosling) sneaks along on the adventure, because Ken’s whole purpose in life is Barbie.

Now, I know that sounds like an unbearably cheesy storyline, but trust me when I say there is much more substance to the Barbie movie than meets the eye.

The Cinematography and Soundtrack

If you grew up playing Barbies, you’re in for a real treat. The setting of Barbie Land is perfection. It’s the most perfect pink color palette, filled with multiple Barbie Dreamhouses, and other bits of nostalgia. Fans will have fun noticing various Easter eggs and taking a trip down memory lane. Although the Barbie movie is a live-action film, animation is cleverly woven into the storyline.

The soundtrack for the Barbie movie is top notch. Not only are the tunes spectacular, the film features fun dance sequences with impressive choreography. Ryan Gosling’s, Ken, has his own number, and it’s a whole vibe.

Is Barbie Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:

While your first thought might be that Barbie is obviously a kids movie, that is definitely not the case. In fact, it appeared evident in the trailers that Barbie might be made for older generations. Not only is the Barbie movie live-action, it also has a PG-13 rating.

Why is Barbie rated PG-13?

The Barbie movie has an MPA rating of PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language. Barbie has a runtime of 1 hour 54 minutes. Here’s what parents need to know before seeing the new Barbie movie with your kids.

Violence : There is one fight scene between the Kens.

Language : The language in Barbie is fairly mild. Lookout words include: damn, Hell, Bimbo, bitch, and a bleeped out Mother F*****.

Mature Content : There are multiple sexual innuendos in the Barbie movie. Ken makes a comment that he doesn’t have a penis and Barbie doesn’t have a vagina. He then says that they don’t have any genitals at all. Other content includes one Ken twisting another Ken’s nipples, a random person in the real world smacking Barbie’s butt, and cat-calling. Barbie and Kens are shown drinking alcohol and a character gets arrested. There is also mention of being day drunk. Barbie is suffering from an existential crisis and some of her actions appear related to depression.

What is the Age Recommendation for the Barbie Movie?

As I previously stated, the Barbie movie is NOT intended for your little ones. Simply put, they wouldn’t understand it, and therefore, wouldn’t enjoy it. There’s too much of a story. Barbie would be best suited for ages (mature) 10 and up — but even that age group will have some questions. There are some great conversation starters in the Barbie movie that you can have with your children.

Is there and End-Credits Scene in the Barbie Movie?

End credit scenes are all the rage thanks to the MCU. We are trained to keep our butts seated throughout the lengthly post credit rolls. With that being said, Barbie does NOT have any end credit scene. Feel free to get up and stretch.

Overall Thoughts

Barbie is the most inclusive movie I’ve seen in a long time. It perfectly showcases the evolution of Barbie with a strong message of self-acceptance loud and clear. America Ferrera’s character, Gloria, has the most powerful speech in the movie. Women have such a pressure on themselves to be extraordinary in all of the things, but society continuously deems them not good enough. It’s exhausting. The audience in my theater literally applauded at her conclusion because it’s the hard truth.

The cast of Barbie puts on a stellar performance, while Ryan Gosling steals the show with every scene he’s in. But, it’s the heart of the Barbie movie that wins it for me. Bravo, Greta Gerwig, for a job well done.

Barbie Synopsis

To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place. Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.

Looking for more reviews like this Barbie Parents Guide and movie review? Don’t miss these posts HERE .

Want the perfect outfit to see the Barbie movie? Check out these ideas HERE !

Reader Interactions

‘Barbie’ May Be the Most Subversive Blockbuster of the 21st Century

By David Fear

It’s tough to sell a decades-old doll and actively make you question why you’d still buy a toy that comes with so much baggage. (Metaphorically speaking, of course — literal baggage sold separately.) The makers of Barbie know this. They know that you know that it’s an attempt by Mattel to turn their flagship blonde bombshell into a bona fide intellectual property, coming to a multiplex near you courtesy of Warner Bros. And they’re also well aware that the announcement that Greta Gerwig would be co-writing and directing this movie about everyone’s favorite tiny, leggy bearer of impossible beauty standards suddenly transformed it from “dual corporate cash-in” to “dual corporate cash-in with a very high probability of wit, irony, and someone quoting Betty Friedan and/or Rebecca Walker.”

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Every morning, Barbie (Robbie) wakes up in her beautiful, open-faced mansion, waves to the legion of other Barbies in their beautiful, open-faced Barbieland mansions, and greets the day with a smile. Early afternoons are reserved for listening to President Barbie ( Issa Rae ) make executive decisions, or watching a Barbie journalist win a Barbie Pulitzer, or cheering a Barbie Supreme Court that lays down the law for the good of all Barbiekind. Late afternoons are for going to the beach, where Ken (Gosling) endlessly competes for Barbie’s affections against Ken (Simu Liu) and Ken (Kingsley Ben-Adir), among other Kens. Nighttime is for extravagantly choreographed disco-dance parties , DJ-ed by none other than Barbie (Hari Nef), and — much to Ken’s dismay — all-girl sleepovers. Eventually, the cardboard backdrop will rotate from moon to sun, and it’s time for yet another day in utopia.

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Once in our world, Barbie will encounter sexual harassment, gender inequity, the benefits of crying, the CEO of Mattel ( Will Ferrell ) and the mother (America Ferrara) and daughter (Ariana Greenblatt) who’ve introduced such morbid thoughts into her brain. Ken will discover horses, Hummer SUVs, and toxic masculinity . She returns with her new human friends to Barbieland in a state of dazed enlightenment. He comes back as a full-blown Kencel, spreading a gospel of full-frontal dude-ity.

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Critical thinking isn’t mind corruption, of course. Nor is pointing out that you can love something and recognize that it’s flawed or has become inflammatory over time, then striving to fix it. It’s definitely not a bad thing to turn a potential franchise, whether built on a line of dolls or not, into something that refuses to dumb itself down or pander to the lowest common denominator. And the victory that is Gerwig, Robbie, and Gosling — along with a supporting cast and crew that revel in the idea of joining a benefic Barbie party — slipping in heady notions about sexualization, capitalism, social devolution, human rights and self-empowerment, under the guise of a lucrative, brand-extending trip down memory lane? That’s enough to make you giddy. We weren’t kidding about the “subversive” part above; ditto the “blockbuster.” A big movie can still have big ideas in 2023. Even a Barbie movie. Especially a Barbie movie.

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In Theaters

July 21, 2023
Margot Robbie as Stereotypical Barbie; Ryan Gosling as Stereotypical Ken; America Ferrera as Gloria; Ariana Greenblatt as Sasha; Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie; Issa Rae as President Barbie; Emma Mackey as Physicist Barbie; Hari Nef as Doctor Barbie; Nicola Coughlan as Diplomat Barbie; Dua Lipa as Mermaid Barbie; Alexandra Shipp as Author Barbie; Ritu Arya as Pulitzer Barbie; Sharon Rooney as Lawyer Barbie; Ana Cruz Kayne as Supreme Court Justice Barbie; Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, John Cena, Scott Evans, and Ncuti Gatwa as Ken; Michael Cera as Allan; Emerald Fennell as Midge; Will Ferrell as Mattel CEO; Connor Swindells as Mattel employee; Jamie Demetriou as Mattel executive; Rhea Perlman as Ruth Handler; Helen Mirren as the Narrator

Home Release Date

September 12, 2023
Greta Gerwig

Distributor

Warner Bros.

Movie Review

She’s just a Barbie girl living in a Barbie world—Barbieland to be exact. But life in plastic isn’t so fantastic right now.

Usually, every day is a great day for Stereotypical Barbie. She wakes up with perfectly coifed hair and fresh breath. Her shower water is the perfect temperature. Her heart-shaped toast pops perfectly onto her plate. And everything about her life makes her happy and fulfilled.

Until suddenly, for reasons unknown to Barbie, she starts thinking about death . And when she asks the other Barbies if they ever think about it, things literally screech to a halt.

Embarrassed, Barbie plays it off. The party resumes. But Barbie goes to bed that night ill at ease.

And the next day is decidedly not a great day. Barbie’s jolted awake by loud music, her breath smells foul, her shower is the wrong temperature, and her toast is burnt. Worst of all, Barbie’s feet, perfectly, permanently arched for high heels, go flat .

You’re malfunctioning , her friends tell her. You have to go see Weird Barbie.

So she does. But what Barbie learns doesn’t comfort her. Weird Barbie tells her that there’s a connection between Barbieland and the real world where humans live. What humans do with their Barbie dolls in the real world affects what happens to their counterparts in Barbieland.

For instance, if someone playing with a stereotypical Barbie doll in the real world feels sad and lonely, then Stereotypical Barbie might transform into Existential Dread Barbie or Depressed Barbie.

But Stereotypical Barbie doesn’t want to become Depressed Barbie. She wants things to go back to feeling normal .

To do that, she’ll have to travel to the real world and cheer up the girl playing with her. But, of course, Barbie has no idea that the real world isn’t what she imagined it to be.

You see, in Barbieland, female Barbies have positions of authority and prestige, like being the president or members of the Supreme Court. Or maybe a pilot or doctor. In Barbieland, women run everything, while the Kens, well, they don’t really do much.

But when Barbie and Ken (her boyfriend) get to the real world, it’s like nothing they’ve ever experienced before.

Good luck in reality, Barbie.

Positive Elements

You almost can’t talk about the Barbie film without addressing the original doll created by Ruth Handler in 1959. Barbie was designed after Ruth realized the only dolls on the market were baby dolls (intended for little girls to imagine themselves as future caregivers). And Ruth wanted her own daughter (whom the iconic toy is named for) to know she could be anything she wanted to be.

Now, as we know, the invention of Barbie didn’t suddenly make it possible for women to achieve all their goals. And there’s also some controversy surrounding Ruth Handler (more on both those topics in Negative Elements). But Barbie did spearhead a movement that allowed little girls to dream of whatever sort of future they wished.

So, for the past 64 years, Barbie has acted as the everywoman, representing women from multiple different career paths, ethnicities and even body types. (Though that last one only came about after years of parents complaining that the stereotypically thin Barbie was ruining their children’s self-esteem .)

And this film reflects that history. The cast is quite diverse and inclusive. And while there are some caveats in that (see Sexual Content), for the most part, it’s a good thing.

The film’s most poignant message isn’t delivered by a Barbie, though, but by Gloria, a mom from the real world. Gloria’s relationship with her teenage daughter, Sasha, is fractured due to Sasha’s feelings of hopelessness about the world (many of which Sasha blames Barbie and the company responsible for her, Mattel, for) and Gloria’s perceived contribution to it (since she works for Mattel).

But Gloria isn’t blind to Sasha’s concerns. She speaks into how women, including her daughter, often feel extreme social pressures. And women often have to navigate double standards in their relationships with both men and other women. Gloria tenderly voices how some of these expectations are admittedly self-imposed (often because of poor self-image). And she acknowledges that even someone who perfectly embodies all of society’s ideals—Barbie herself—can feel this way.

Then, she challenges that status quo.

At this point, we should note that the film employs extreme and satirical stereotypes to make some of the following points. But it does so because Barbie herself is an extreme stereotype.

Gloria realizes she’s part of the problem—it’s why she and Sasha have drifted apart. But she refuses to let the “sexualized capitalism” and “rampant consumerism” (Sasha’s words) enhanced by Barbie’s existence to continue to rule her life.

Gloria helps the Barbies learn that who they are isn’t determined by some CEO on the top floor of an office building in Los Angeles. Rather, each individual Barbie has the ability to choose who she wants to be and what she wants to do.

This new knowledge not only frees the Barbies from the societal constraints they thought they had to live by, but it helps them to recognize and reconcile with members of their community they had inadvertently ousted, such as the overlooked Ken dolls and discontinued Barbie dolls.

Speaking of Ken, he has an important moment of self-realization as well about his identity and what will ultimately fulfill him, leading him to become a much kinder and more gracious man.

In the end, Barbieland, much like the real world it reflects, doesn’t necessarily get everything perfect. But its residents’ desire to keep trying—to make the world a better place for everyone —is a pretty nice message.

Elsewhere, characters apologize when they realize they’re in the wrong. When things go poorly for Barbie (to the benefit of Mattel’s pocketbook), Mattel’s CEO tries in earnest to fix the problem since Barbie represents the dreams of little girls everywhere. Characters are encouraged to honestly express their emotions. They also learn that it’s OK to make mistakes and show vulnerability.

Spiritual Elements

There’s a reference to The Shining when two women begin experiencing each other’s emotions.

[ Spoiler Warning ] Barbie eventually meets the ghost of an old woman living, apparently, in Mattel’s headquarters. It’s none other than Ruth Handler, and she takes Barbie on something of a spiritual journey as Barbie ponders whether or not she wants to become completely human or remain a doll. Ruth is referenced as the “creator,” and, indeed, she has something like the wisdom one might expect of a creator deity.

Sexual Content

When Barbie first arrives in Los Angeles, multiple men stare and catcall her. Barbie, who’s never been objectified in her life, states how self-conscious this makes her feel. She opposes this behavior by announcing, “I don’t have a vagina.” Then she looks at Ken and adds, “And he doesn’t have a penis.” Ken is embarrassed by this statement and counters it with the lie that he does , in fact, have male bits.

Elsewhere, Weird Barbie (played with oddball aplomb by Saturday Night Live alumni Kate McKinnon) makes it clear that the lack of certain anatomy doesn’t deter her.

As the film progresses, Barbie and her friends are repeatedly objectified. We’re shown a montage of men putting their arms around women to “help” them with simple tasks. Many unhealthy stereotypes are portrayed to demonstrate other unwanted attention from men. And Barbies even trick some Kens through flirting, ultimately pitting the Kens against each other for the Barbies’ affections.

Barbies occasionally wear swimsuits and other outfits that bare some skin (including cleavage). Many Kens like to walk around sans shirt, and the camera makes sure we notice in Stereotypical Ken’s case. There’s a poster of some Miss Universe contestants in bikinis. We see one Barbie from the shoulders up as she showers and later wrapped in a towel. One of Barbie’s outfits has stars on her backside.

As mentioned above, Ken pines for a romantic relationship with Barbie. However, she only sees Ken in a platonic way. Therefore, whenever Ken tries to kiss Barbie, she rejects him. When Ken asks to spend the night at her house, she denies his request. And Ken admits that he doesn’t know what they would do if he slept over, only that it’s expected of couples.

We learn that some Barbie dolls were discontinued because of ill-advised concepts, such as a Ken doll called “Sugar Daddy” (because he has a pet dog named Sugar), a “Growing Up Skipper” doll whose breasts grow and “Earring Magic Ken,” which many consumers nicknamed “Gay Ken.”

Another doll, Pregnant Barbie Midge, had a short shelf life because, we’re told, the marketplace just thought the concept was too weird. (We see pictures in the credits of the original packaging that show a preborn baby in the credits.) Barbie historians will know that Midge’s husband was Allan, who also shows up here (though isn’t connected to Midge in the film) as an ally to Barbie, and basically the only male character who doesn’t look or act like a Ken.

Sexual orientation, per se, isn’t directly addressed in Barbieland itself. However, some Barbies and Kens are portrayed by members of the LGBT community, and this occasionally comes through in their portrayals. Some male characters here could be seen as being quite effeminate, too.

Parents should note that Hari Nef, a trans performer, plays one of the female Barbies. We see a same-sex couple flirting in the real world. During a dance sequence, several Kens embrace, and two kiss Stereotypical Ken on his cheeks. One of Mattel’s lowly office workers asks the question, “I’m a man with no power. Does that make me a woman?” Another double entendre repeated multiple times between Kens involves the phrase, “I’m gonna beach you off.” One Ken eventually says, “I’m gonna beach both of you off.”

So while there’s little here that’s explicit, some will identify LGBT subtexts in winks in certain moments throughout the film.

Someone describes Mattel’s office building as “phallic.” The CEO boasts about their “gender neutral” bathrooms. A man calls a woman “Jezebel” (a reference from the Bible used as an insult to imply a woman is licentious) after which many people question if they’re allowed to use that term anymore.

Violent Content

As Barbie is being objectified in the real world, she notes that there’s an undertone of violence (which Ken, pointedly, is impervious to since he’s a guy). Moments later, a man whacks Barbie on her rear, and she spins around to punch him in the face (which she’s arrested for).

Gloria also talks about this, pointing out how ridiculous it is that women are expected to tell men when they’re acting inappropriately, but not in a way that causes a scene or else they might become a target.

Dozens of Kens go to “war” against each other in a battle of the egos (which is the only thing that gets hurt in this fight). Using plastic lacrosse sticks and tennis rackets, they shamelessly whack each other into submission. One Ken is put into a headlock. Another receives a purple nurple. But the only real injury is a human’s arm, which winds up in a sling after he’s caught in the crossfire.

Stereotypical Ken gets jealous when he believes Barbie is texting another Ken. He snatches her phone from her to prove it.

Despite not appearing particularly strong or masculine, Allan gets into a fight with several Ken dolls, brutally beating them up. (But again, no lasting injuries, just bruised egos.)

Other slapstick pratfalls turn up, too.

One scene depicts several little girls smashing their baby dolls to bits after the creation of Barbie, an homage to a similar scene with monkeys and bones from 2001 . A girl plays roughly with her Barbie doll, chopping off its hair, coloring its face with permanent marker and then kicking the doll in the crotch after bending its legs into the splits. (As a result, this Barbie’s counterpart in Barbieland sports a choppy haircut, strange facial markings and is perpetually stuck doing the splits.)

A Barbie car “crashes” a couple of times. But the vehicle is undamaged and the passengers unharmed.

Several of Mattel’s top executives chase Barbie through their corporate office, leaping at her (and missing) in an attempt to stop her from escaping their custody.

Crude or Profane Language

The f-word is bleeped out in one scene. We hear a single use each of “h—” and “d–n.” God’s name is misused seven times and Christ’s name is abused once. In the credits, we hear rapper Nicki Minaj’s song “It’s Barbie B–ch,” with that titular line being repeated several times.

Drug and Alcohol Content

After traveling to the real world, Ken starts drinking “Brewski Beers” and demanding that Barbie and her friends to serve the drink to him and the other Kens. It appears that many executives have alcoholic beverages during a meeting. Someone drinks from a wine glass at a party.

Other Negative Elements

As I mentioned before, many of the good points addressed in Barbie come through the use of extreme stereotypes. But those stereotypes also create problems we have to address, too. Here’s what I mean:

Barbies believe that Barbieland is a perfect reflection of the real world, i.e. that women run everything . So when Barbie arrives on the scene, she assumes a woman is in charge. And she’s shocked to learn that none of Mattel’s top executives are female. (And Mattel’s current CEO blusters about two women who ran the company in the past.)

Additionally, the lack of female leadership makes an already vulnerable Barbie (made self-conscious by the overt objectification she experiences from men) feel even more helpless. And she’s heartbroken that women in the real world aren’t inspired by her and even seem to hate her.

In contrast, Ken loves the real world. He believes that men rule everything (after visiting an office building seemingly run by men) and strives to learn everything he can about patriarchy. He takes his knowledge of patriarchy back to Barbieland and begins using it to flip the gender dynamic there.

He and the other Kens “brainwash” the Barbies into believing they should serve men. They become incredibly condescending to the Barbies, demanding things like drinks and foot massages. And they change everything to “expand and elevate the presence of men” since Ken believes that’s what the real world does.

The film uses these exaggerated and obvious expressions of male chauvinism and sexism to show what many women experience, an element of the story that will likely resonate with many women. But unfortunately, that resonance often comes at the expense of men. Their portrayal here—even if it’s arguably intended for satirical effect—is often demeaning and belittling. We see men depicted as vain, selfish, self-centered, abusive and generally narcissistic, with precious few examples to the contrary. And even as men are called out for their bad behavior, similar behavior among the female Barbies is, at times, celebrated as women turning the tables.

Ken is, himself, the biggest example of a man who’s depicted as insecure and needy one moment, but ruthlessly willing to use women once he undergoes his own patriarchal transformation.

Before visiting the real world, it’s stated that Ken only has a good day if Barbie looks at him. He spends all of his time trying to impress her and win her affection. After his journey, he becomes your worst idea of toxic masculinity. And when the power is taken back by the Barbies, he’s reduced to a sobbing, pouting mess. (Though admittedly, he eventually confesses—whilst crying—that he never wanted to be in power to begin with. He just wanted Barbie to respect him and went about it in the worst way possible.)

We’re told, in a sense, that in order to stop “patriarchy,” women need to rise up and take over everything . In fact, Stereotypical Barbie is even encouraged to hurt Ken (emotionally) because of how he rudely treated her. Which is exactly what the Barbies do. And the Kens docilely submit to the Barbies.

Actions are taken to make amends and create a more equal society in Barbieland. However, the film still makes a point about men vs. women. Because when the Kens request to serve in Barbieland’s higher government, they’re pointedly denied since “Kens will have more power in Barbieland when women have more power in the real world.”

Families should also be aware of the unrealistic beauty standards upheld by this film. Yes, Barbie and Ken (the dolls) have become much more diverse over the years. And the film makes a lot of good points about how these are terrible standards (and while their focus is female-driven, you can’t look at Ryan Gosling as Ken and not see the unrealistic standards there, as well). But it doesn’t change the fact that the vast majority of actors and actresses cast in this film are still really pretty people. (A point not lost on the filmmakers since the narrator herself pokes fun at it.)

Gloria also speaks into the beauty conversation, commenting on how women are told to be “thin but not too thin,” but they can’t say they want to be thin but “healthy,” but they still need to actually be thin, according to society. Again, this is touted as a bad thing, but then one of the main reasons that Barbie visits the real world to “fix” herself is that she’s developed cellulite .

Barbie also tries to poke fun at depression and anxiety, and not in the kindest way. In addition to Barbie beginning to experience these emotions both for herself and through the human playing with her in the real world, we see an ad for Depression Barbie. The doll is depicted looking tired with no makeup and tangled hair.

A plastic Barbie dog (based on a real toy) “poops” plastic turds. Many Barbies gag and dry heave when they learn Stereotypical Barbie’s feet have gone flat. Barbie yaks after “drinking” expired milk. Ken uses a barf bag.

Sasha (Gloria’s daughter) calls Barbie a “bimbo” and a “fascist.” (She’s also pretty rude to her mom on several occasions.) A few people lie. Some characters make bets. There are some racial comments. We learn Ruth Handler (Barbie’s creator) was arrested for tax evasion. Barbie and Ken are arrested after stealing clothes from a store (though they didn’t know they had to pay).

Ever since Barbie was first announced, I couldn’t help but think “Welp, I wonder how Hollywood is going to ruin my childhood this time?”

But the film defied my expectations, even as it had some problems I hadn’t expected.

Let’s hit on the things I thought would be the worst offenders first. I expected there to be a ton of unnecessary profanity and gross sexual content. There’s actually not a lot of gratuitous content here. Profanity is limited (a single f-word is bleeped out though, Nicki Minaj’s end-credits song is repeatedly profane), though God’s name is misused a number of times. And sexual content, while present, is mostly constrained to a handful of verbal suggestions and double entendres.

But let’s talk about why that is.

Barbie (the doll) has been a topic of sexual objectification almost since her inception. Women want to look like her. Men want to be with her. She’s the ideal of society’s beauty standards. And yet, she’s always been impervious to these ideas because, well, she’s a doll .

By bringing Barbie to life, she begins to embody what it actually means to be a woman. She voices how uncomfortable objectification makes her. She shuts down attempts to flirt with her. She discusses the impossible standards expected of women by society. And she begins to feel a sense of dread because even though she’s done nothing to warrant this treatment (and everything to prove she’s somehow “worthy”), she and the women around her are still subject to it.

But therein lies a serious problem with the film. At its core, I truly believe Barbie wants to teach girls to stand up for what’s right, to hold true to their beliefs and especially to support other women. And these are great aspirations. Unfortunately, the way the message is delivered shines Ken (and all men) in a really bad light.

Because Barbie uses extreme stereotypes to make a point, it fails to show how the average man behaves toward women. And it even sorta blames guys for all the negative emotions women have ever felt about themselves or other women.

The Kens of Barbieland are simpish and weak. Then they take power and become obnoxious and crass. So if Barbieland is supposed to be a reflection of the real world, then there’s no space for a man who respects women but also respects himself. And there’s also very little suggestion that men can use their strength and masculinity in selfless ways—ways that might protect and defend someone who’s genuinely vulnerable.

For families who are interested in this film, I believe these are navigable issues. That said, I would highly recommend that if your teenage daughter wants to see Barbie , go with her. Because if nothing else, the film can serve as a catalyst for conversation about societal expectations, feeling unworthy and yeah, the perception that our world is inherently male dominated.

Sending your teens off to see Barbie alone is definitely risking some indoctrination into the narrative that being a good man is synonymous with being submissive or weak . Or the idea that good men themselves are as rare as a unicorn. This narrative also suggests that women have to rise up and seize control if they want to be respected.

Those narratives aren’t true, of course. But without a little hand-holding, it might be hard for teens to remember that their value and worth isn’t based on their appearance, whether or not they have the respect of their peers or even on their accomplishments. (All things characters falsely believe at difference points throughout the film.)

Rather, the Bible tells us that we are valuable because we were made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26), because He loved us before He even created the universe (Ephesians 1:4), and because Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for us that we might be redeemed through Him (Ephesians 1:5-7).

That might feel like a bit of spiritual draw for a movie that has absolutely nothing to do with faith. But for me, whenever I experience the anxieties that Barbie, Gloria and Sasha all face in the film, it brings me a lot of comfort to know that God made me for a purpose and that I am fulfilled through Him.

Emily Tsiao

Emily studied film and writing when she was in college. And when she isn’t being way too competitive while playing board games, she enjoys food, sleep, and geeking out with her husband indulging in their “nerdoms,” which is the collective fan cultures of everything they love, such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate and Lord of the Rings.

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BARBIE Parents Guide Movie Review & Age Rating

By: Author mandipie4u

Posted on Last updated: July 25, 2023

Categories Entertainment , Films

Barbie is brilliantly fun, silly, and so meta, delivering positive messages that will resonate with audiences long after they exit the theater. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.

The Barbie movie releases in theaters across the United States this Friday, July 21, 2023. The film is written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, who also directed it. It contains an all-star cast including Margot Robbie (Barbie), Ryan Gosling (Ken), Simu Liu (Ken), Kate McKinnon (Weird Barbie), America Ferrera (Gloria), Ariana Greenblatt (Sasha), Ncuti Gatwa (Ken), Will Ferrell (Mattel CEO), Issa Rae (President Barbie), Michael Cera (Alan), Emma Mackey (Physicist Barbie), Emerald Fennell (Midge), Alexandra Shipp (Barbie), Kingsley Ben-Adir (Ken), Connor Swindells (Aaron Dinkins), Jamie Demetriou (Mattel Executive), Rhea Perlman, John Cena, and Dua Lipa, with the film being narrated by Helen Mirren. It is hilarious, silly, and self-aware, with a terrific soundtrack that includes Barbie World by Nicki Minaj. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.

If you enjoyed this Barbie parents guide movie review, check out these other articles: Haunted Mansion 2023 parents guide movie review , Oppenheimer parents guide movie review , Survival of the Thickest parents guide review , The Summer I Turned Pretty season 2 parents guide review , Joy Ride parents guide movie review .

Barbie Movie Quotes

Barbie parents guide.

In Barbie : Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.

Barbie Age Rating Parents Guide

Let’s take a look at what concerned parents need to know about the age rating of the movie before letting their younger children watch Barbie .

Language : Barbie doesn’t contain strong language, but there is some moderate bad language to look out for with young children with infrequent use of cursing, including crap, hell, vagina, penis, and a bleeped-out use of the word “mother f*ck*r.”

Mature Content : The film contains no sex scenes to speak of, but there are more mature content with brief sexual harassment sequences that include inappropriate comments, cat-calling, and in one scene, a male slaps a woman’s bottom, and she returns it with a slap to the face. There is also adult themes with moderate innuendo with the Kens discussing a “beach off” and Ken’s “nude blob” genitals. The film does not have any drug abuse or drug use content, but there are scenes that show characters drinking alcohol. There are also comic fight scenes that include Barbie toys used as weapons.

Age Rating of the Movie Barbie : Warner Bros. Pictures Barbie movie rating has a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America (Motion Picture Association of America movie ratings) for suggestive references and brief language, and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for mature audiences, an older audience, young adults, teens, and young audiences aged 13 year olds and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) is highly suggested for younger kids (young viewers) under 13 years of age in this PG-13-rated movie for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 13 years old; it is not suitable for younger viewers or small children.

Overall Thoughts

The new Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig, is a surprisingly funny and subversive take on the iconic doll. The movie is full of clever humor and sharp social commentary. Gerwig and her co-writer Noah Baumbach skewer the expectations of gender roles and perfection that are often placed on women, challenging traditional gender roles and promoting the idea that anyone, regardless of gender, can be anything they want to be. But they also find plenty of moments of genuine heart and warmth that capture the spirit of today’s society while still maintaining the charm and magic that Barbie has always represented.

Margot Robbie’s Stereotypical Barbie is a perfect doll who lives in a perfect world. But when she is banished to the real world, she learns that things are not always as they seem. Robbie is perfectly cast as Barbie, bringing both humor and vulnerability to the role and portraying the beloved Barbie doll with grace and elegance. Her performance adds depth to Barbie’s character, showcasing her intelligence and determination. Ryan Gosling stars as Ken, bringing his signature charisma and wit to the role. He perfectly captures Ken’s handsome and confident personality, making him a memorable addition to the Barbie movie franchise.

The music and visuals in Barbie are nothing short of spectacular. From the moment the movie starts, viewers are transported to a candy-colored palette “perfect” place that feels like a child’s dream. The combination of vibrant colors, sparkling costumes, and breathtaking scenery creates a seemingly utopian, magical fantasy land that is visually captivating. Production designer Sarah Greenwood has truly outdone herself with the set designs and costumes. Each scene is a feast for the eyes, with intricate details that bring the Barbie world to life. From the luxurious Barbie Dreamhouse to the dazzling ballroom, every frame is filled with beauty and elegance.

The music in the movie is equally impressive. The catchy tunes and upbeat melodies perfectly complement the on-screen action, making it impossible not to tap your feet and hum along. The soundtrack features a mix of original songs and popular hits, with notable contributions from artists like Nicki Minaj. Whether it’s a mesmerizing dance number or a heartfelt ballad, the music adds an extra layer of emotion and excitement to the story.

Overall, Barbie is a delightful surprise. It is a funny, heartwarming, and subversive take on the iconic doll. Gerwig and her team have created a movie that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages while also promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and creativity, making it an excellent choice for young viewers. By challenging traditional gender roles and celebrating the human world, this latest Barbie movie showcases the brand’s commitment to fostering positive values and encouraging young girls to dream big.

Entertainment
<i>Barbie</i> Is Very Pretty But Not Very Deep

Barbie Is Very Pretty But Not Very Deep

T he fallacy of Barbie the doll is that she’s supposed to be both the woman you want to be and your friend, a molded chunk of plastic—in a brocade evening dress, or a doctor’s outfit, or even Jane Goodall’s hyper-practical safari suit—which is also supposed to inspire affection. But when you’re a child, your future self is not a friend—she’s too amorphous for that, and a little too scary. And you may have affection, or any number of conflicted feelings, for your Barbie, but the truth is that she’s always living in the moment, her moment, while you’re trying to dream your own future into being. Her zig-zagging signals aren’t a problem—they’re the whole point. She’s always a little ahead of you, which is why some love her, others hate her, and many, many fall somewhere in the vast and complex in-between.

With Barbie the movie —starring Margot Robbie, also a producer on the film—director Greta Gerwig strives to mine the complexity of Barbie the doll, while also keeping everything clever and fun, with a hot-pink exclamation point added where necessary. There are inside jokes, riffs on Gene Kelly-style choreography, and many, many one-line zingers or extended soliloquies about modern womanhood—observations about all that’s expected of us, how exhausting it all is, how impossible it is to ever measure up. Gerwig has done a great deal of advance press about the movie, assuring us that even though it’s about a plastic toy, it’s still stuffed with lots of ideas and thought and real feelings. (She and Noah Baumbach co-wrote the script.) For months now there has been loads of online chatter about how “subversive” the movie is—how it loves Barbie but also mocks her slightly, and how it makes fun of Mattel executives even though their real-life counterparts are both bankrolling the whole enterprise and hoping to make a huge profit off it. The narrative is that Gerwig has somehow pulled off a coup, by taking Mattel’s money but using it to create real art , or at least just very smart entertainment.

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Hollywood, I Dare You to Make a Weird Barbie Movie

She has a funky haircut, she smells like basement, and she’s ready for her solo debut.

The Big Picture

Kate McKinnon's Weird Barbie is a standout character in Greta Gerwig's Barbie , offering humor and depth.
A Barbie sequel is not needed, but Weird Barbie has many storylines, including a potential past with Gloria, that offer lanes for exploration.
Weird Barbie could be a rich source of inspiration for a future Barbie sequel due to her unique perspective and the way she was cast out from Barbieland due to her differences.

Greta Gerwig ’s 2023 Mattel-inspired masterpiece, Barbie , is a colorful adventure made unforgettable through its eye-popping sets, show-stopping dance numbers, and more than anything, its stellar, star-studded cast. While Margot Robbie , Ryan Gosling , and America Ferrera provide nuanced, critically acclaimed performances that range from tear-jerking to sidesplitting, Barbieland is brimming with memorable characters, from Allan ( Michael Cera ), to President Barbie ( Issa Rae ), to Sugar Daddy Ken ( Rob Brydon ). However, one member of this fantastic plastic paradise makes an impression like no other, shining in all her bizarre glory with wild eyes, a face full of crayon tattoos, and a perpetually-pooping dog.

Kate McKinnon 's Weird Barbie somersaults onto the scene with unlimited wisdom and valuable perspective, offering new insight into Barbieland and a hilarious reminder of what happens when you unleash angry, crafty children on unsuspecting dolls. She may provide some of Barbie 's best jokes and funkiest haircuts, but Weird Barbie also serves as a powerful reminder to accept ourselves and others. So, as Mattel continues its onslaught of IP projects in the wake of Barbie 's massive success, we can only hope that a Weird Barbie adventure is next on the docket.

*Availability in US

Not available

Barbie suffers a crisis that leads her to question her world and her existence.

Will There Be a 'Barbie' Sequel?

Before we get too into what could potentially be explored in a Weird Barbie movie, it must be stated that Barbie doesn't need a sequel or spin-off film at all. Greta Gerwig crafted a complete, powerful narrative that did what it could to unpack and explore the complexities of womanhood, and the Dream House should not reopen its doors without a good reason. There are currently no concrete plans to make a Barbie sequel, though Gerwig told Variety that if she feels that there is another rich story — or what Gerwig refers to as an "undertow" — to be explored in Barbieland, she's open to going back.

However, from Hot Wheels , to American Girl Dolls , to Rock ’Em Sock ’Em Robots (...seriously?), it appears that Mattel is willing to greenlight pretty much anything. And should Barbie once again find itself the darling of the summer box office, we have to admit that Weird Barbie might be the richest well of inspiration for a sequel.

Who Does Kate McKinnon Play in ‘Barbie’?

In Barbie , the dolls live in an idyllic, sun-soaked matriarchal society where days are spent wearing fabulous outfits, lounging at the beach, and performing elaborate bespoke dance numbers with a hundred of their closest friends. Everything is apparently perfect until one day, Stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) is suddenly stricken with flat feet, cellulite, and looming thoughts of death. Her friends are horrified and insist that she seek out the help of Weird Barbie , who lives as an outcast in her own Weird House far away from the Barbie Dream Houses. Having been ostracized after being played with too aggressively, Weird Barbie lives alone with her dog, offered occasional company from other rejected Barbies and Kens , or Barbies who need help when they malfunction.

Weird Barbie Is One of the Best Characters in Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie'

One of the best things about this Barbie character is that, for pretty much anybody who grew up playing with dolls, Weird Barbie is a universal experience. Whether you were lining her eyes with a thick, black pen, or cutting unruly bangs with a pair of rusty, blunt kid scissors, there was always at least one doll in the toychest who didn't escape childhood unscathed. That's what makes Kate McKinnon's Barbie character so great — we know who she is right away. While McKinnon brings her unique humor to the role and makes the character a delightfully sardonic oracle who hangs in the rafters and makes killer dioramas, we recognize Weird Barbie for what she is immediately, and that's what makes her so funny.

Furthermore, Weird Barbie offers so much more than just comic relief. Although she seems pretty content hanging out in her Weird House with Growing Up Skipper and the rest of the misfit toys , she also has no choice but to make do as an outcast because the other Barbies rejected her. They even laugh whilst discussing how Weird Barbie helps others stay perfect while falling further into a state of disrepair herself. Kate McKinnon's character reminds us that even in the supposed utopia of Barbieland, all issues of feminism are not, in fact, solved. As Margot Robbie's Barbie says after her breakdown, either you're brainwashed, or you're ugly and weird. Given that Weird Barbie no longer fits into Barbieland's standards, she's tossed aside.

This Was the Most Powerful Moment in 'Barbie'

Of course, at the end of the movie, Issa Rae's President Barbie apologizes to Weird Barbie for how she's been treated in the past, and offers her a position in government (a major win for the Department of Sanitation), showing the value of fostering different perspectives in positions of power. This moment acknowledges that the "perfect" society in which the Barbies were previously existing was actually far from it. Nevertheless, we can't forget that even in a fantastical world run entirely by women, the constraints of societal expectations are inescapable, and Weird Barbie suffers for it.

Kate McKinnon’s Weird Barbie Probably Belonged to America Ferrera's Gloria

While it’s not explicitly stated in the movie, it’s implied that America Ferrera's Gloria is the one who made Weird Barbie, well, weird. When Lawyer Barbie ( Sharon Rooney ) is telling Stereotypical Barbie where Weird Barbie came from, she informs us that Weird Barbie used to be the most beautiful Barbie before somebody "played with her too hard," aka contorted her into a pretzel and aggressively decorated her with various craft supplies. A victim of magic marker vandalism and a very aggressive haircut, Weird Barbie has been drop-kicked, Sharpied, and burned with a barbecue lighter, leaving her seemingly forgotten in the real world.

In the montage where the young girl ( Isabella Nightingale Mercado ) is defacing her doll, the name Gloria is spelled out in Scrabble tiles on a play structure in her room. Furthermore, when Gloria explains to her daughter, Sasha ( Ariana Greenblatt ), how Weird Barbies came to be, Weird Barbie gives Gloria a thumbs up, telling her “It’s cool,” and seemingly forgiving her for the various abuses.

If a 'Barbie' Sequel Happens, It Should Be About Weird Barbie

Weird Barbie's relationship not only with the other Barbies but with Gloria leaves the door wide open for potential Barbie sequels, or even prequels. As narrator Helen Mirren quipped in Barbie , if the filmmakers want to make the point that meeting societal expectations of femininity is nearly impossible, Stereotypical Barbie, while fantastic, is not the most interesting lens through which to explore these injustices. Weird Barbie, on the other hand, is immune to the Kens' brainwashing because she was never desired by them in the first place. She possesses a perspective that nobody else in Barbieland can understand, as she's on the outside looking into the windows of the Dream House, but never invited in. Near the end of Barbie , we can even see that Weird Barbie has a new, more tamed haircut and has lost her face paint, perhaps signaling that the criticisms of her unique appearance affected her more than she ever let on.

Hari Nef Is Just Another Barbie and That's Important

Through her various, ever-impressive performances, we also know that Kate McKinnon can handle weighty topics as artfully as she can comedic ones, so, like Barbie , we know that a movie centered on Weird Barbie could have similar potential to balance humor and sincerity. The character has also proven to be of particular interest to Mattel , given that they've released a real-life doll version of Weird Barbie alongside their Barbies and Kens (which kind of goes against the whole idea of Weird Barbie, but whatever).

At the end of the day, a Barbie sequel of any kind would be a gamble, given the great success of its predecessor and the incredible standard that Greta Gerwig set with the first film. However, should the creative forces behind Barbie choose to delve once more into the Mattel Cinematic Universe, we know that Weird Barbie has stories to tell, and that Kate McKinnon and Greta Gerwig have all the talent needed to tell them. Should it be about a journey to the real world to take on Mattel, her complicated past with a young Gloria, or her burgeoning career in Sanitation, Weird Barbie has earned her time in the spotlight — splits and all.

The Fall Guy's Barbie Comparisons Set The Bar Way Too High, But It Could Still Make The 2024 Movie A Hit

Don't expect The Fall Guy to reach Barbie levels of success, but Gosling and Blunt's chemistry will still attract audiences.
Using Barbie's success to promote The Fall Guy is a smart move, even though the movies are fundamentally different.
Be cautious of potential Ken burnout with frequent comparisons between The Fall Guy and Barbie, as it could backfire.

The Fall Guy has been frequently compared to the 2023 hit Barbie , and though this sets an unrealistic expectation, it could give the 2024 film an edge. Leading up to its release, stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have done a great deal of work promoting the stunt-guy romcom. Since both these actors were prominent figures in last year's Barbenheimer , it makes sense that these two warring films would be referenced during promotions. However, there are ways in which frequently comparing The Fall Guy to Barbie could create problems that may be hard to balance out with the benefits.

Though the general plotline of The Fall Guy is fundamentally different from Barbie , Gosling's Ken role has been heavily referenced throughout his promotional tour. In an interview with Screen Rant , the actor noted the similarities between the relationship between his and Blunt's Fall Guy characters and that of Barbie and Ken. In both movies, Gosling's character is desperate for the attention of the beautiful girl of his dreams , ultimately leading to an unexpected adventure. Considering the success of Barbie , such comparison make sense. However, these films won't be in the same league.

The Fall Guy Review: Ryan Gosling Leads A Thrilling & Wildly Fun Love Letter To The Stunt Community

There's almost no chance that the fall guy will be as successful as barbie, comparing the fall guy to a movie like barbie could be setting it up to fail.

There's a lot to look forward to with The Fall Guy . Following 2023's Barbenheimer phenomenon , Blunt and Gosling are more famous than ever , and their chemistry during award ceremonies, their appearance on Saturday Night Live , and promotional interviews prove that they are likely to make magic on screen. Moreover, The Fall Guy has a unique enough premise for an action-packed romantic comedy that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. However, the movie is unlikely to stack up to Barbie .

As a comedy, Barbie was something of an enigma . It didn't perform as well during award seasons, but its box office success, especially within the genre, was off the charts. The 2023 Greta Gerwig film brought in $1.4 billion at the global box office, securing itself as the highest-grossing comedy movie of all time . To put this into perspective, the second highest-grossing comedy is The Hangover Part II (2011), which made $587 million globally. Since Barbie more than doubled this number when it dethroned its predecessor, it's doubtful that another comedy come close any time soon.

Using Barbie To Promote The Fall Guy Is Still A Smart Move

It makes sense to take advantage of barbie's success to promote fall guy.

Though there is virtually no chance that The Fall Guy will see the same financial success (or even cultural impact) as Barbie , it makes sense that the 2023 film would be referenced so often during its promotional interviews. Gosling's role of Ken quickly became iconic, and he will likely be associated with the character for decades. Pretending Barbie never happened while giving interviews about The Fall Guy could do more damage than good since people will want some promise that such quality comedy will continue into other projects.

They will come for Ken but stay for Gosling's lovable stuntman.

In all, it would be silly not to use the coattails of Barbie 's success as a launching point for The Fall Guy . While it sets the bar high, especially regarding Gosling's performance, the 2024 comedy may be of a different enough flavor from the 2023 Mattel movie that any comparisons will quickly fall away once The Fall Guy hits theaters . By making frequent comparisons between the two films, Gosling is sure to inspire audiences to get a ticket. They will come for Ken but stay for Gosling's lovable stuntman. Of course, this depends on The Fall Guy actually being good.

The Fall Guy is directed by Bullet Train and Deadpool 2 's David Leitch.

Could Gosling's The Fall Guy/Barbie Comparisons Backfire?

The fall guy might not be as good as barbie, but the bar is still set high.

Whether anyone expects The Fall Guy to perform as well as Barbie , comparing the two films leading up to the former's release still sets the bar high. Gosling and Blunt are riding on a high from Barbenheimer , but this only means that there is a longer way to fall. There might not have been so much hype for The Fall Guy if it weren't for the frequent comparisons to 2023's hits, but this is a double-edged sword.

Another fact to consider is possible Ken burnout.

Another fact to consider is possible Ken burnout. We have had nearly a year of jokes and references, and Gosling has fully leaned into this during his public appearances. His musical monologue on Saturday Night Live even jokingly acknowledged the need to move on (though the actor comically stated that he would never stop being Ken). It's possible that these endless Barbie references could wear audiences thin, and The Fall Guy could suffer by association. Overall, we will have to wait to see whether these promotional decisions will pay off or backfire.

The Fall Guy

The Fall Guy is an action thriller from Bullet Train and Deadpool 2 director David Leitch. Ryan Gosling stars as a stuntman who is forced to find a missing movie star, investigate a conspiracy, and repair his relationship with the love of his life. The film was written by Drew Pearce and inspired by the 1980s TV series of the same name.

Director David Leitch

Release Date May 3, 2024

Studio(s) 87North Productions, Entertainment 360, Universal Pictures

Distributor(s) Universal Pictures

Writers Drew Pearce

Cast Stephanie Hsu, Teresa Palmer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emily Blunt, Hannah Waddingham, Winston Duke, Ryan Gosling

Rating PG-13

Genres Drama, Thriller, Action

The Fall Guy's Barbie Comparisons Set The Bar Way Too High, But It Could Still Make The 2024 Movie A Hit

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Unsung Hero

Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs.

Richard L. Ramsey
Joel Smallbone
Richard Ramsey
Daisy Betts
Kirrilee Berger
27 User reviews
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Helen Smallbone

David Smallbone

Rebecca Smallbone

Eddie Degarmo

Jed Albright

Kay Albright

Daniel Smallbone

Luke Smallbone

Ben Smallbone

Josh Smallbone

Luanne Meece

Art Meriweather

Nana Smallbone

Church Usher

Southern Wife

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Trivia On the last day of shooting after the concert scene for Rebecca, For King and Country put on a full concert for all the extras and crew.
Goofs All entries contain spoilers

Jed Albright : I wish I had an accent.

Connections Featured in The Michael Knowles Show: God vs Hollywood: For King & Country with Michael Knowles (2024)

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Apr 26, 2024
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April 26, 2024 (United States)
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Apr 28, 2024

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Movie Reviews

A dying father looks for the perfect family to adopt his son in 'nowhere special'.

Bob Mondello

A young single dad is on a mission in the film Nowhere Special . With a terminal illness and no family to turn to, he's searching for the perfect adoptive family for his four-year-old son.

AILSA CHANG, HOST:

British actor James Norton stars in the BBC crime series "Happy Valley," and he's also on many a shortlist to be the next James Bond. But critic Bob Mondello says Norton's new father-son film, "Nowhere Special," finds him in a gentler, more vulnerable place.

BOB MONDELLO, BYLINE: John is a window washer in Belfast, going about his trade so unobtrusively you'd never notice him if the camera weren't turned his way. But there's a reason it's turned his way.

(SOUNDBITE OF FILM, "NOWHERE SPECIAL")

JAMES NORTON: (As John) This is the biggest decision of my life. Don't they understand? Don't you?

MONDELLO: John has just a few months to live, which is made doubly challenging because John has a 4-year-old son, Michael. His decision, in tandem with the social services folks he's talking to, is about what happens next.

NORTON: (As John) It's not about me wanting to be right. It's...

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #1: (As character) I do understand. That's why I'm here.

MONDELLO: Michael's mother abandoned them shortly after he was born, and with no other family members, John must now find his toddler a new family. And he's full of doubts.

NORTON: (As John) It's Michael. I always thought that I knew him. I mean, I do, I do. You know, he's my son. But do I know him, really know him, you know, enough for this?

MONDELLO: The social services team has lists of folks who are eager to adopt, among them a postman and his wife who have adopted before...

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #2: (As character) Your child will be part of a big family.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #3: (As character) Real people that respect you. Not people who talk down to you, know what I mean, John?

MONDELLO: ...A chilly transactional household that feels all wrong...

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #4: (As character) Doesn't really look like his photo, does he? - or you. Does he look like the mother?

MONDELLO: ...A wealthy couple who could offer Michael things John couldn't...

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #5: (As character) Does he like nature? We're very outdoorsy people. We like to go for long walks, as you can see.

UNIDENTIFIED ACTOR #6: (As character) And of course we can afford the best education for our son. I mean, your son.

MONDELLO: ...All while James Norton's quietly devastated John is trying to figure out what he can possibly say to Michael as every moment grows more precious.

NORTON: (As John) Would you like to live somewhere else, in a different time, different home?

DANIEL LAMONT: (As Michael) I like home.

MONDELLO: Played by a doe-eyed Daniel Lamont, Michael seems to sense that something's amiss, and, heartbreakingly, his instinct is to reassure and comfort, using his own blanket to cover daddy when he's resting on the couch and turning pages at story time.

NORTON: (As John) He gave his dad a little wave. Page. And when he reached the other side, his father's heart was full of pride.

MONDELLO: Writer-director Uberto Pasolini lets all of this play out without grandstanding. The filmmaker doesn't embellish. We don't even hear what illness afflicts John. We just see things through his eyes, a window washer's eyes. He's used to catching glimpses through glass of worlds he'll never enter. But to have his son's future be like that? The ache is enormous, even as he finds the words Michael needs and a safe harbor just as his window for decision-making starts to close.

I'm Bob Mondello.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

A parent's guide to 'Challengers': Is Zendaya's new movie appropriate for tweens or teens?

As a former Disney Channel kid, Zendaya has a fanbase that's grown up with her as an actress and she appeals to a younger generation. The 27-year-old is also beginning to take on more mature roles, like in HBO's "Euphoria," that may not be appropriate for everyone.

Which brings us to " Challengers " (in theaters now), her new R-rated tennis drama co-starring Mike Faist and Josh O'Connor. The trailer shows Zendaya's character when she's 18, so tweens and teens might think, "Hey, this is for me!" It also shows her in her 30s, as the movie tracks three people in a sporty love triangle that unfolds over more than a decade, so it's a little complicated.

Here's what parents of Zendaya-loving youngsters need to know about "Challengers":

What is the new Zendaya movie 'Challengers' about?

Zendaya has her most adult role yet in director Luca Guadagnino's sports movie: The film opens with her character Tashi as the 31-year-old coach, manager and wife of pro tennis player Art (Faist). After recent losses, he needs a confidence boost and she enters him in a lower-level tournament, where he faces rival Patrick (O'Connor), a financially struggling athlete from their past.

The movie then flashes back to the trio as teens, when the prodigal Tashi and doubles partners/friends Art and Patrick have a three-way makeout session in a hotel room that sparks evolving relationships between them.

Why is 'Challengers' rated R?

The movie is officially rated R for "language throughout, some sexual content and graphic nudity." Let's break that down: Yes, there are plenty of four-letter curse words and also sexual situations, though the latter aren't too steamy. O'Connor and Zendaya are in their underwear for one intimate scene, but that stuff on the whole veers more PG-13.

What parents might be more concerned by is the male nudity. After the aforementioned hotel hookup, Art has an erection in his boxer shorts that Patrick playfully smacks, while in a locker room scene, there are a couple of moments of full-frontal male genitalia, though not in a sexual context.

Is Zendaya's tennis film appropriate for children?

Not really, especially in regard to younger teens and under. Aside from the language, sexual content and nudity, "Challengers" explores a lot of headier themes that older teens might understand and appreciate more – among them, identity, sexuality, power dynamics and how people use strong feelings to manipulate one another. If your son or daughter is dying to see it, the official R-rated restriction applies nicely: Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Even if they've already snuck in a "Euphoria" binge watch.

What are some kid-friendly movies featuring the 'Challengers' cast?

The littlest Zendaya fans can stream her earlier Disney Channel comedy series "Shake It Up" and "K.C. Undercover" on Disney+. As for her film output, the musical "The Greatest Showman" (also starring Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron) has a wide appeal; the Marvel Spider-Man movies with her boyfriend Tom Holland ("Homecoming," "Far From Home" and "No Way Home") are all top-notch; and a "Dune" double feature would be good for tween and teen sci-fi fans.

Faist played Jets leader Riff in Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated "West Side Story" redo – and was in the best supporting actor conversation – plus stars in the Amazon streaming series "Panic." While it might not be for your whole household, at least your royals-loving teens might want to check out his co-star O'Connor as a young Prince Charles in the third and fourth seasons of Netflix's " The Crown ."

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‘Unsung Hero’ Review: The Family That Prays Together, Plays Together in Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic

A father uproots his family, moving them halfway around the world to avoid professional and personal ruin in this heartening weepie.

By Courtney Howard

Courtney Howard

‘Unsung Hero’ Review: The Family That Prays Together, Plays Together in Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic 4 days ago
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Popular on Variety

After David fails to sell out an Amy Grant concert due in part to a devastating nationwide recession, he loses all their savings. His backup plan to bring Eddie DeGarmo (Jonathan Jackson) over from the States also vanishes overnight. With no other career options, and with another baby on the way, he comes up with a risky proposal: move the family to the U.S. in hopes of representing an artist friend of his in Nashville. Their journey is fraught with obstacles, from a stressful customs detention to the psychological toll of David’s struggles as a provider. While the Smallbones suck up their pride to courageously face dire situations, they’re only human and there’s always a breaking point — one they must work together to mend.

The film works best when trafficking in poignant subtleties that provide a cumulative tear-shedding experience rather than the overt schmaltz which occasionally appears. Lovely grace notes are peppered throughout, from some much-needed tension-release humor (not to be confused with the requisite Vegemite and “Crocodile Dundee” jokes) to the heart-in-throat moment that reveals how Rebecca St. James chose her stage name. (Take that, “Solo: A Star Wars Story”!) Eagle-eyed audiences will find fun spotting a few family members making cameo appearances.

Katherine Tucker’s production design reflects the Smallbones’ evolution — as their familial bonds flourish, their environments change for the better. Cinematographer Johnny Derango discreetly shifts lighting cues in concert with narrative overtones. The frequent golden hour glow represents the presence of David’s perpetually perky father (Terry O’Quinn) even when he’s not on screen, culminating in the genuinely emotional finale’s intersection of a trio of character arcs.

All the siblings offer contributions to their familial sustenance, yet a handful aren’t as fleshed out as they should be given their survival was a psychologically taxing team effort — especially for the younger members thrust into adulthood prematurely. The focus is not only on the parents’ problems, but also on their teenage daughter’s struggle with confidence as a performer and songwriter. And of course, young Luke and Joel, who later in life went on to form the duo For King + Country (and who also provide the heartfelt closing credits ballad), get significant attention, delivering a couple of funny, self-aware bits. However, Ben, Daniel and Josh are relegated to characters defined by their jobs and not by their personalities. They’re left aching for greater incorporation within this testimony.

A finer point could’ve been made about the two sides of the charity coin — the family’s Christmas is saved through the kindness of others, but David feels like a charity case when their wealthy neighbors Jed (Lucas Black) and Kay (Candace Cameron Bure) help out with hefty medical bills. Still, the filmmakers espouse reassuring commentary on achieving the American Dream. More films should acknowledge that throwing money at a problem isn’t always the solution. To glean the amount of meaningful insight as Smallbone clearly demonstrates with this feature, placing himself in his father’s shoes to fully understand a psyche in the throes of turmoil, is quite the dynamic feat. That’s especially important for a faith-based audience who need to see that flaws in our design are what make us human.

Reviewed online, April 23, 2024. MPA Rating: PG. Running time: 112 MIN.

Production: A Lionsgate release of a Kingdom Story Company, Candy Rock Entertainment production of a For King + Country Film. Producers: Joshua Walsh, Luke Smallbone, Justin Tolley, Joel Smallbone. Executive producers: Candace Cameron Bure, Andrew Erwin, Tony Young, Kevin Downes, Jon Erwin, Mike Curb, Brian Mitchell, Bill Reeves, Jeffery Brooks, Gerald Webb, Ford Englerth.
Crew: Directors, writers: Joel Smallbone, Richard L. Ramsey. Camera: Johnny Derango. Editor: Parker Adams. Music: Brent McCorkle.
With: Joel Smallbone, Daisy Betts, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson, Lucas Black, Candace Cameron Bure, Terry O’Quinn, Paul Luke Bonenfant, Diesel La Torraca, JJ Pantano, Tenz McCall, Angus K. Caldwell.

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BARBIE
Barbie Movie Review for Parents (2023)
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The Disney collections : The Barbie Movie collections
Why Is Barbie Rated PG-13? A Parent's Guide To Margot Robbie's New Movie
@Barbie

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Barbie Movie Review
When BARBIE’s movie isn’t helpful 😱 #barbie #barbiemovie #imjustken #shorts
Is Barbie 2023 kid friendly?
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Barbie is the MOVIE OF THE YEAR!

COMMENTS

Barbie Movie Review
Positive Role Models. Barbie is curious, empathetic, brave, and kind, an. Diverse Representations. The main Barbie (Margot Robbie) and Ken (Ryan Gosl. Violence & Scariness. A big fight among a lot of characters involves use. Sex, Romance & Nudity. Ken asks Barbie to spend the night. When she asks.
Parent reviews for Barbie
The movie has some strengths--the sets are technically well done and the acting is pretty good. But parents have to realize that the film is super political and be prepared for that, especially if you have a son. Let me say that I am a proud feminist and have fought my way through male-dominated STEM fields since the 90s.
A parent's guide to 'Barbie': What to know before watching it with the
Credit: Warner Bros. Yes. But most of it is mild or goofy. After the construction workers catcall Barbie, a male stranger sexually assaults her by slapping her butt without consent. In response ...
Barbie (2023) Movie Review for Parents
Barbie (2023) Rating & Content Info Why is Barbie (2023) rated PG-13? Barbie (2023) is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for suggestive references and brief language. Violence: There are chase scenes involving reckless driving. There are scenes of physical fighting involving hitting, kicking, and shoving. Male characters have a "war" in which sports equipment is used in place of weapons.
Barbie movie review & film summary (2023)
This is a movie that acknowledges Barbie's unrealistic physical proportions—and the kinds of very real body issues they can cause in young girls—while also celebrating her role as a feminist icon. After all, there was an astronaut Barbie doll (1965) before there was an actual woman in NASA's astronaut corps (1978), an achievement ...
Is the 'Barbie' Movie Appropriate For Younger Kids?
It never once crossed my mind that perhaps Barbie might be inappropriate for my 8-year-old daughter. First of all, the movie is being marketed to girls well under 13. There's an entire line of ...
Barbie (2023)
Mild slapstick violence but nothing brutal. In a scene parodying 2001: A Space Odyssey young girls smash their baby dolls when a giant version of Barbie appears. A plastic dog "poops" plastic pellets it is based off a dog that came with a dog trainer Barbie that was popular in the mid 2000s.
"Barbie" Movie: What Parents Should Know
The "Barbie" movie is rated PG-13, which means (literally): "Parental Guidance: some material may be inappropriate for children under 13." It's meant to be a strong caution for parents to consider ...
Barbie review: Greta Gerwig's fiercely funny, feminist Dreamhouse
review: Welcome to Greta Gerwig's fiercely funny, feminist Dreamhouse. The Barbie movie could've been another forgettable, IP-driven cash grab. Instead, the director of Little Women and Lady ...
'Barbie' Review: Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling Excel
Greta Gerwig loads plenty of food for thought in hot pink pop package, poking fun at patriarchy and corporate parent Mattel in brainy 'Barbie' movie.
Barbie [2023] [PG-13]
When Barbie (Margot Robbie) starts feeling sad and uncomfortable in the seemingly idyllic Barbie Land, her existential crisis leads her to the Real World in order to try and mend the rip in the temporal fabric that keeps the two realms distinctly different and yet coexisting. Also with Ryan Gosling, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, Emma Mackey, Hari Nef, Sharon Rooney, Ana Cruz Kayne ...
Barbie First Reviews: Hysterically Funny, Perfectly Cast, and
Who is the movie ultimately for? "Barbie works hard to entertain both 11-year-old girls and the parents who'll bring them to the theater." - Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly "Barbie doesn't have that tiring air of trying to be everything to everybody. With luck, and a big opening, it might actually find the audience it deserves ...
Is the 'Barbie' movie age appropriate? What parents should know
Moms and daughters will find things to bond over, as it juggles nostalgia and contemporary issues, dads and sons can reflect on if they're being a total Ken or not, and if your kids are mature ...
Why Is the 'Barbie' Movie PG-13? Understand the Rating for Kids
Why is 'Barbie' rated PG-13? "Barbie" earned a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association for "suggestive references" and "brief language." As for suggestive references, one of the film's ...
How The 'Barbie' Movie Is Full of Feminism and Girl Power
While Ken suddenly feels noticed, powerful, and cool, Barbie's harassed by men on the Venice boardwalk. Barbie learns her creator, Mattel, doesn't have a current female CEO as she anticipated ...
Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams Movie Review
Parents say ( 6 ): Kids say ( 6 ): The Barbie franchise continues to evolve and showcase Barbie surrounded by a diverse cast and positive messages with talented girls and women. This movie takes it a step further by introducing not just another friend of Barbie, but an equally talented teen known as Barbie Roberts herself.
BARBIE Parents Guide + Movie Review
Here's what parents need to know before seeing the new Barbie movie with your kids. Violence: There is one fight scene between the Kens. Language: The language in Barbie is fairly mild. Lookout words include: damn, Hell, Bimbo, bitch, and a bleeped out Mother F*****. Mature Content: There are multiple sexual innuendos in the Barbie movie.
'Barbie' Review: The Most Subversive Blockbuster of the 21st Century?
Barbie definitely makes good on that promise, which still doesn't quite prepare you for what feels like the most subversive blockbuster of the 21st century to date. This is a saga of self ...
Barbie
Barbie's jolted awake by loud music, her breath smells foul, her shower is the wrong temperature, and her toast is burnt. Worst of all, Barbie's feet, perfectly, permanently arched for high heels, go flat. You're malfunctioning, her friends tell her. You have to go see Weird Barbie. So she does.
Barbie (2023)
Barbie: Directed by Greta Gerwig. With Margot Robbie, Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp. Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Barbie: A Movie Review For Parents
Overview. Overall Rating: ⭐ 3.0 / 5. Recommended Age: 11 and up. By now, you've probably heard about the Barbie movie that recently hit theaters. It had garnered tons of attention months before release, largely due to the "Barbenheimer" phenomenon leading up to it. But Barbie itself was already teed up to be a huge hit on its own.
BARBIE Parents Guide Movie Review & Age Rating
Barbie is brilliantly fun, silly, and so meta, delivering positive messages that will resonate with audiences long after they exit the theater. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review. The Barbie movie releases in theaters across the United States this Friday, July 21, 2023. The film is written by Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig, who also directed it. It contains an all-star cast ...
Barbie Movie Review: Very Pretty But Not Very Deep
By Stephanie Zacharek. July 18, 2023 7:00 PM EDT. T he fallacy of Barbie the doll is that she's supposed to be both the woman you want to be and your friend, a molded chunk of plastic—in a ...
Hollywood, I Dare You to Make a Weird Barbie Movie
Greta Gerwig's 2023 Mattel-inspired masterpiece, Barbie, is a colorful adventure made unforgettable through its eye-popping sets, show-stopping dance numbers, and more than anything, its stellar ...
Using Barbie To Promote The Fall Guy Is Still A Smart Move
Using Barbie's success to promote The Fall Guy is a smart move, even though the movies are fundamentally different. Be cautious of potential Ken burnout with frequent comparisons between The Fall ...
Family friendly movie review: 'Unsung Hero,' 'The Ministry of
The Smallbone family in "Unsung Hero." Back row (left to right): Paul Luke Bonnenfant as Daniel, Daisy Betts as Helen, Kirrilee Berger as Rebecca, Joel Smallbone as David.
Unsung Hero (2024)
Unsung Hero: Directed by Richard L. Ramsey, Joel Smallbone. With Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger, Jonathan Jackson. Based on a remarkable true story, a mum's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold on to theirs.
A dying father looks for the perfect family to adopt his son in ...
A young single dad is on a mission in the film Nowhere Special. With a terminal illness and no family to turn to, he's searching for the perfect adoptive family for his four-year-old son.
'Challengers' parent review: A guide to Zendaya movie for kids
Zendaya has her most adult role yet in director Luca Guadagnino's sports movie: The film opens with her character Tashi as the 31-year-old coach, manager and wife of pro tennis player Art (Faist).
'Unsung Hero' Review: An Uplifting Faith-Based Biopic
A father uproots his family, moving them halfway around the world to avoid professional and personal ruin in the heartening weepie 'Unsung Hero.' 'Unsung Hero' Review: An Uplifting Faith-Based ...

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Barbie First Reviews: Hysterically Funny, Perfectly Cast, and Affectionately Crafted

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