The only thing I thought was weird was that it had the Sasha character deliver the classic critique on Barbie (it was vapid, promoted poor body image, limiting for girls, etc) that movie Barbie responded to by crying and running away before getting consoled and moving on. The movie didn't really come back to address those critiques at all outside the tossed-in 'regular barbie' idea from Gloria at the end. When the movie was announced, I had thought that critique would be more prominent as it was in the past of the toy but I guess everyone just loves Barbie now.
Otherwise I agree, was a cute film that we probably shouldn't try to analyze too deeply
My partner went to see Barbie with her friends on opening night. She can home, woke me up to tell me all about it and spent the next two week trying to get me to see it with her. Then one smoky Friday evening with nothing else happening I caved. I thought it was enjoyable if a bit on the nose. I kind of wish I was high while watching it.
I am very much looking forward to the Broadway production, you know it’s going to happen. Hell I’d even take a community theatre production.
This is the line that stood out for me in your very good review "...some class critique that won’t subvert capitalism, and a standard but resonant feminist critique of patriarchy."
Although I'm not a feminist scholar or socialist economist all the ideas in Barbie the movie were familiar to me and while I was hoping for a few new takes it was still very refreshing to hear and see these older (but still relevant) takes said out loud in a major Hollywood movie - hopefully those ideas will be inspiring to those for whom they are new
Thank you, David! This was wonderful. I have upgraded to paid (in August no less).
“Barbie” is currently playing in my small-town theatre, circa 1965, so I will go and see it rather than wait for streaming. Besides, popcorn is always better in the theatre.
As one who grew up having deep discussions on all things existential, this will be a treat. But how will I talk with my granddaughters about it?
All right, you’ve convinced me that there's real depth to this film, that it makes you question much of our world from the question the characters ask about theirs. I would have given it a hard pass if not for this review.
I think for a lot of people it's going to be an introduction to themes, ideas, critiques, etc. that they wouldn't otherwise come across -- or might otherwise ignore. There's a lot there and it's just a fun movie to boot. Not the worst combo.
It is violent! And I’m the sort that ducks and covers or turns the volume down. But Suicide Squad and the 2? sequels are so over the top and fun that it is more silly than really violent. The baseball bat is Quinn's weapon of choice tho she even in full makeup she turns heads wherever she goes.
The only thing I thought was weird was that it had the Sasha character deliver the classic critique on Barbie (it was vapid, promoted poor body image, limiting for girls, etc) that movie Barbie responded to by crying and running away before getting consoled and moving on. The movie didn't really come back to address those critiques at all outside the tossed-in 'regular barbie' idea from Gloria at the end. When the movie was announced, I had thought that critique would be more prominent as it was in the past of the toy but I guess everyone just loves Barbie now.
Otherwise I agree, was a cute film that we probably shouldn't try to analyze too deeply
I enjoyed this piece as much as I did the movie : Brilliant !
P.s. I’ve been enjoying your audio version of “Too Dumb for Democracy “ - it’s a good time !
Thank you!
Excellent review. Sartre & #ChudReactionaries. Delicious. 😘
My partner went to see Barbie with her friends on opening night. She can home, woke me up to tell me all about it and spent the next two week trying to get me to see it with her. Then one smoky Friday evening with nothing else happening I caved. I thought it was enjoyable if a bit on the nose. I kind of wish I was high while watching it.
I am very much looking forward to the Broadway production, you know it’s going to happen. Hell I’d even take a community theatre production.
This is the line that stood out for me in your very good review "...some class critique that won’t subvert capitalism, and a standard but resonant feminist critique of patriarchy."
Although I'm not a feminist scholar or socialist economist all the ideas in Barbie the movie were familiar to me and while I was hoping for a few new takes it was still very refreshing to hear and see these older (but still relevant) takes said out loud in a major Hollywood movie - hopefully those ideas will be inspiring to those for whom they are new
Well written.
Thank you, David! This was wonderful. I have upgraded to paid (in August no less).
“Barbie” is currently playing in my small-town theatre, circa 1965, so I will go and see it rather than wait for streaming. Besides, popcorn is always better in the theatre.
As one who grew up having deep discussions on all things existential, this will be a treat. But how will I talk with my granddaughters about it?
Thank you! Oh, it's a great theatre movie. Good choice. And I hope you can bring your granddaughters -- a good conversation starter.
PSA typo: "alinetation"
Oh, good catch. Thank you.
All right, you’ve convinced me that there's real depth to this film, that it makes you question much of our world from the question the characters ask about theirs. I would have given it a hard pass if not for this review.
I think for a lot of people it's going to be an introduction to themes, ideas, critiques, etc. that they wouldn't otherwise come across -- or might otherwise ignore. There's a lot there and it's just a fun movie to boot. Not the worst combo.
https://substack.com/@karlstack/note/c-22314109?utm_source=notes-share-action&r=ckvol
The beast must be fed!
I’ve been a Margot Robbie fan since Harley Quinn. You should see her swing a baseball bat.
It is violent! And I’m the sort that ducks and covers or turns the volume down. But Suicide Squad and the 2? sequels are so over the top and fun that it is more silly than really violent. The baseball bat is Quinn's weapon of choice tho she even in full makeup she turns heads wherever she goes.
Yes, I recommend SS, at least the first one. And yes again, it’s Chagall’s “mounting the ebony horse”. You are the first person to notice. 😉