Searching for a delightful and heartwarming movie to brighten up your summer? Look no further than Barbie, an enchanting live-action comedy that brings the beloved doll to life. The film is directed by Greta Gerwing & features a great starcast including Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, and Will Ferrell. Get ready to be captivated by Barbie’s whimsical world as it hits theaters on July 21, 2023.
Watch the Trailer
Embark on a journey into the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Barbie by watching the official trailer, released on May 25, 2023. The trailer offers a glimpse into the life of Barbie (Margot Robbie), a cheery and optimistic doll residing in Barbie Land—a utopia where beauty and happiness abound. However, when she experiences a crisis that leads her to question her own existence, Barbie decides to venture beyond Barbie Land and explore the real world. Along the way, she encounters Ken (Ryan Gosling), a dashing and charismatic doll who becomes her guide and love interest. The trailer showcases amusing scenes, vibrant characters, and inspiring messages that make this movie a must-see.
Release Date and Details
Mark your calendars, as Barbie is set to hit theaters on July 21, 2023, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures. On this date, it will share the spotlight with other highly anticipated releases such as Oppenheimer, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. This PG-13 rated film contains suggestive references and brief language.
Unveiling the Storyline
Barbie takes you on an extraordinary adventure alongside the titular doll, who resides in Barbie Land—a utopian realm where perfection reigns and joy fills the air. Barbie seems to have it all: a dream house, a dream car, a dream closet, an ideal job, and a dreamy boyfriend. Yet, amidst her seemingly perfect life, she feels disconnected from the other dolls and becomes plagued by a crisis of identity and purpose.
Determined to find her true self and happiness, she departs from Barbie-Land to explore the real world. Along her journey, she encounters Ken, a doll who resides in the real world and becomes her guiding light and romantic interest. Embracing her imperfections, her individuality, and her boundless potential, Barbie learns to appreciate her friends, family, and the place she calls home.
Meet the Cast & Crew
Barbie boasts an impressive ensemble of talented actors who bring their charisma and skills to the silver screen. Let’s look at the cast first.
- Margot Robbie as Barbie, a cheerful and optimistic doll who embarks on a voyage of self-discovery in the real world.
- Ryan Gosling as Ken, a charming and adventurous doll from the real world who becomes Barbie’s companion and love interest.
- Will Ferrell as the Mattel CEO, embodying the greedy, arrogant, and clueless head of the company responsible for creating Barbie dolls.
- Kate McKinnon as Barbie’s loyal and funny best friend in Barbie Land.
- Michael Cera as Allan, Barbie’s nerdy and timid ex-boyfriend from Barbie Land.
- America Ferrera as Gloria, a smart and curious journalist who interviews Barbie in the real world.
- Rhea Perlman as Barbie’s loving and caring mother in Barbie Land.
- John Cena as Ken’s loyal and friendly best friend in the real world.
- Helen Mirren as the Narrator, the wise and witty voice recounting Barbie’s story.
Greta Gerwig, renowned for her acclaimed films such as Lady Bird, Little Women, and Frances Ha, takes the helm as the director of Barbie. Gerwig also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Noah Baumbach. The film is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Mattel Films, LuckyChap Entertainment, and Plan B Entertainment, with an enchanting musical score composed by Jon Brion.
Fascinating Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Barbie is not just a movie; it is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Barbie doll brand, which was created by Ruth Handler in 1959 and has left an indelible mark on the world of toys. The filmmakers sought to pay tribute to Barbie’s impact and explore themes of identity, diversity, and empowerment—a celebration of the beloved doll’s values.
Principal photography for Barbie took place in Los Angeles, California, during June and July 2023. The filmmakers aimed to juxtapose the fantastical and real aspects of Barbie’s world while showcasing the city’s diverse and beautiful locales.
To immerse audiences in the nostalgic world of Barbie, the film incorporates numerous costumes, props, and sets inspired by the iconic Barbie doll line. The intention was to provide an immersive experience for both devoted fans and newcomers alike.
Music plays a significant role in Barbie, with an array of catchy songs and lively musical numbers drawing inspiration from previous Barbie movies and TV shows. These musical elements add a fun and vibrant dimension to the film, paying homage to Barbie’s rich musical heritage.
Barbie also pays tribute to other doll- and toy-centric movies and TV shows, such as Toy Story, The Lego Movie, and Enchanted. Furthermore, it commemorates the lives and contributions of actors who passed away between 2020 and 2021, including Cloris Leachman, Cicely Tyson, and Christopher Plummer.
Critically Acclaimed Reception
Barbie had its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival on July 10, 2023, and garnered an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie now has a stunning 92% approval rating based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The critics’ consensus on the website describes Barbie as a live-action comedy that brings the iconic doll to life with humor, heart, and style. Greta Gerwig’s direction is applauded for its flair and skill. The film also holds a score of 81 out of 100 on Metacritic, based on 12 reviews, indicating “universal acclaim.”
Critics have been effusive in their praise:
- Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian says, “Barbie is a charming and clever movie that captures the spirit and essence of the beloved doll. Margot Robbie shines as Barbie, emanating joy, optimism, and kindness. Ryan Gosling delivers a hilarious performance as Ken, showcasing his comedic talents and undeniable chemistry with Robbie. This film is a delightful blend of humor, heart, and style that is sure to put a smile on your face.”
- Katie Rife from The A.V. Club describes Barbie as “a brilliant and beautiful movie that reinvents the iconic doll for a new generation. Greta Gerwig’s direction is infused with flair and skill, crafting a witty and whimsical narrative that explores themes of identity, diversity, and empowerment. The ensemble cast is superb, with Kate McKinnon and Will Ferrell stealing the show in their supporting roles. Barbie is a must-see for fans of both the doll and the comedy genre.”
- Eric Kohn of IndieWire declares, “Barbie is a refreshing and original movie that brings the iconic doll to life with humor, heart, and style. The film is masterfully written, acted, and crafted, boasting stunning costumes, props, and sets that pay homage to the beloved Barbie doll line. Whether you’re a fan of Barbie or simply enjoy a great comedy, this film is not to be missed.”
The Future Awaits
Barbie is poised to become one of the most beloved summer hits of 2023, appealing to a broad audience that appreciates comedy and fantasy. With fans generating fan art, memes, and quizzes based on the movie, the movie has already garnered a lot of internet attention. Additionally, Barbie has been the subject of awards buzz, earning two Golden Globe Award nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and a Best Actress nod for Margot Robbie.
The filmmakers and cast members have expressed their enthusiasm for potential sequels or spin-offs, eager to continue exploring the captivating world of Barbie. Their remarkable experience working on the film has fueled their creativity, leading to countless ideas for new stories and delightful moments. Above all, they hope that Barbie will inspire and empower individuals to embrace their true selves and pursue their dreams.
Intriguing Facts to Discover
Discover some intriguing facts about Barbie that might surprise you:
- The movie draws inspiration from Splash, a 1984 comedy film featuring a mermaid who leaves her world to explore the human realm.
- Ruth Handler, the late American businesswoman and inventor who co-founded Mattel and created Barbie, makes a cameo appearance in the film as herself, brought to life through CGI.
- Comedian Amy Schumer makes a cameo appearance, portraying herself as a comedian who jokes about Barbie. Schumer was initially cast as Barbie in 2016 but had to step down in 2017 due to scheduling conflicts.
- Barbie includes a post-credits scene that teases a potential sequel or spin-off involving Barbie’s sister, Skipper (played by Zendaya), embarking on her own adventure in the real world.
FAQs
To address common queries, here are some frequently asked questions about Barbie:
Is the movie Barbie based on real events?
No, Barbie is not based on real events. However, it draws inspiration from the iconic Barbie doll brand, created by Ruth Handler in 1959, which has had a significant cultural impact worldwide.
How can I watch the movie Barbie?
Barbie will be released in theaters on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures. You can purchase tickets online or at your local theater to experience the magic firsthand.
Which dolls appear in the movie Barbie?
The movie features dolls based on or inspired by characters from the Barbie doll line, showcasing various characters, outfits, accessories, and themes. Some of the dolls in the film include:
– Barbie: The protagonist of the movie and the doll line, characterized by her cheery disposition, optimism, and kindness.
– Ken: Barbie’s love interest in the film and the doll line, renowned for his handsome looks, charm, and adventurous spirit.
– Skipper: Barbie’s sister in the movie and the doll line, known for her intelligence, creativity, and rebellious nature.
– Midge: Barbie’s best friend in the movie and the doll line, admired for her loyalty, humor, and unwavering support.
– Teresa: Barbie’s friend in the movie and the doll line, recognized for her confidence, style, and friendly demeanor.
– Raquelle: Barbie’s rival in the movie and the doll line, notorious for her arrogance, jealousy, and mean-spiritedness.
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