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.
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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.
