Pink ruled 2023, and we can thank Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” for that.
From the first trailer, fans were excited to see Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken.
But did the movie live up to all the buzz?
With huge ticket sales and nonstop social media talk, Barbie became more than just a summer hit.
It turned into a cultural moment that had everyone paying attention.
What is the Barbie Movie About?
Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film “Barbie” is a bright, satirical fantasy-comedy that reimagines the popular doll.
The story follows Barbie as she leaves her perfect, pink life in Barbie Land after starting to question her existence and role in the world.
Joined by Ken, Barbie ventures into the real world, leading to a comedic yet thought-provoking experience about understanding who you truly are and learning to stand strong on your own terms.
Quick Summary:
“Barbie” is about self-awareness and accepting imperfection, wrapped in candy-colored visuals, clever jokes, and a satirical look at both the toy industry and modern feminism.
Critical Acclaim & Overall Impressions
“Barbie” garnered strong critical acclaim.
On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds an 88% positive rating (average 8/10) from over 500 critics, and on Metacritic, an impressive 80/100.
Audiences also loved it, giving “Barbie” an “A” CinemaScore and 89% positive on PostTrak surveys.
Critics praised the film’s creative style, playful tone, and surprising depth.
It’s widely described as inventive, funny, and a refreshing take on what a movie based on a toy brand can be.
Highlights from Major Critics & Review Sites
Here are some important reviews from various movie sites and critics:
Positive Reviews
- Empire: Called the film “painfully funny,” noting the constant wit and cleverness throughout.
- The Independent: Described it as “joyous from minute to minute,” enjoying its self-awareness and big-hearted entertainment value.
- Roger Ebert said the movie is “hysterically funny, with giant laugh-out-loud moments” and a blend of slapstick, meta-humor, and heart.
- Chicago Tribune: Applauded Greta Gerwig’s unique voice, praising Margot Robbie for mixing comic timing and heartfelt emotion.
Mixed and Constructive Criticism
- BBC & The Telegraph: Enjoyed the film’s humor and creativity but noted certain stretches were “uneven and disjointed,” citing some narrative focus lost in the final act.
- The Hollywood Reporter: Appreciated Gerwig’s direction but found the movie’s politics somewhat muddled, with an ending that felt flat emotionally, and suggested the story ultimately centers on corporate branding.
More Critical Voices
- The New York Times: Provided a less favorable review, calling the movie overstuffed, at times boring, and lacking relatable characters or narrative cohesion.
- Some Audience Reviews: A few viewers felt the social commentary was heavy-handed, but most agreed the movie’s cast and eye-popping design pulled things together.
Key Performances & Themes
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Performances | Margot Robbie shines as Barbie with humor and depth, while Ryan Gosling steals scenes with a hilarious and lovable portrayal of Ken. |
| Supporting Cast | Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, and America Ferrera deliver standout moments, offering both comic relief and emotional grounding. |
| Themes | Talks about female identity, empowerment, and gender stereotypes while cleverly satirizing Mattel and Barbie’s real-world inspiration. |
| Music & Visuals | Known for the set design, a catchy soundtrack, and whimsical costume elements, many predict it could earn Oscar nominations. |
Final Verdict
Barbie was more than just fun; it made an impact.
If you loved the message, the music, or just the pink everything, it left people talking.
It mixed laughs, dreaminess, and smart ideas in a way most movies don’t.
Greta Gerwig gave us a film that was bold, playful, and unforgettable.
What about you?
Tell us what you thought of Barbie in the comments!
