Watch Barbie
- PG-13
- 2023
- 1 hr 54 min
-
6.8 (566,660)
Barbie is a 2023 American live-action/computer-animated musical comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie in the title role. The film offers a fresh take on the iconic Barbie doll toy line and brand by Mattel. The movie follows Barbie's adventures after she is expelled from Barbieland for not being perfect enough. She then enters the real world for the first time in her life, discovering it is more multifaceted and complicated than she realized. The film explores themes of female empowerment, identity, and breaking free from societal expectations.
After her banishment, Barbie ends up in a normal American town where she struggles to adapt. She moves in with other eccentric outcasts who have also struggled to fit prescribed molds, including a Goth girl, a nerdy boy obsessed with science, and a non-binary fashion designer.
Barbie attempts to hide her true Barbieland origins but eventually gains the courage to embrace her uniqueness. She inspires her new friends to do the same as they bond over not fitting neatly assigned labels. Barbie's nemesis from Barbieland also shows up to try bringing her back to its shallow artificiality.
The movie features fantastical elements as Barbie navigates between the animated Barbieland and the live-action real world. Dance and musical numbers showcase the signature sparkle of the Barbie brand. The soundtrack includes original songs and remixes of classic hit pop anthems celebrating self-expression.
Margot Robbie brings charisma and complexity to the role of Barbie. Her performance depicts Barbie as an intelligent, empathetic character rather than just a pretty face. The talented supporting cast provides more diversity and depth to challenge typical Barbie archetypes.
With its vivid settings, catchy musical sequences, and positive messages about embracing who you are, Barbie aims to provide a fun big-screen experience for kids and adults. Director Greta Gerwig applies her quirky indie film sensibilities to craft a new Barbie who isn't afraid to reveal her imperfections and limitations.
By modernizing Barbie for contemporary audiences, the movie pays homage to the cultural impact of the iconic doll while redefining her for a new generation. The film allows Barbie to break free from predetermined stereotypes just as girls and women continue doing so themselves in society. It's a colorful journey of fantastical fun, self-discovery, and believing in the power of your own voice.
Barbie is a 2023 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 80.