As 2023 comes to a close, it's difficult to deny the immense impact Barbie has had on pop culture. What initially appeared to be a shallow money-making endeavor centered around the world's most popular doll, unexpectedly turned into a celebration of the franchise's evolution from a mere toy to a symbol of empowerment, individuality, and self-acceptance.
Beyond the flashy and entertaining exterior of Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, the film delves deeper. It explores the realization of Barbie (Robbie) that her simplistic and idealistic worldview was a far cry from the harsh realities of the world. The movie takes a bold stand against toxic masculinity, corporate greed, and those who seek to diminish one's existence, all from the perspective of a Barbie doll.
Robbie and Gosling's strong performances, along with other talented cast members like Issa Rae, Kate McKinnon, Simu Liu, made for one of the most impressive ensembles in recent memory. The various versions of Barbie and Ken, played with depth and complexity, cleverly fit together to create an engaging and dynamic Barbie World. Meanwhile, the non-doll side of the cast, led by America Ferrara, showcased resilience and optimism in the face of a troubled world.
Barbie also received a significant boost from the unexpected summer hit Barbenheimer, a term that has become a defining aspect of 2023. The unlikely pairing of Greta Gerwig's Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer has left a lasting impression on audiences as the year comes to a close.
It was a rare occurrence of people simply being excited about movies, rather than taking sides to support a specific film. Instead of choosing between Barbie or Oppenheimer, many were just genuinely thrilled. Amidst a challenging summer for the movie and TV industries due to contract negotiations, the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer provided a much-needed reason to be excited about going to the movies.
Ultimately, both films were successful, but Barbie solidified itself as the undisputed champion of the year with the highest box office revenue and a lasting impact that has left audiences eager for a sequel, even if it never happens. Barbie was a transformative movie experience, making it an obvious choice for Our Website's best movie of 2023.
Editor's P/S
As a hard fan of Barbie, I am thrilled that the movie has been recognized as GameSpot's Movie of the Year 2023. It's a testament to the film's quality and its impact on pop culture. The movie exceeded my expectations and delivered a captivating story with enchanting visuals. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling's performances were outstanding, and the ensemble cast brought the characters to life with depth and complexity. The film's exploration of empowerment, individuality, and self-acceptance resonated with me deeply, and I appreciate the bold stand it takes against toxic masculinity and corporate greed.
The unexpected success of Barbie and the phenomenon of Barbenheimer have been exciting to witness. It's refreshing to see people genuinely excited about movies without taking sides. The release of Barbie and Oppenheimer provided a much-needed reason to be excited about going to the movies, and I'm glad that both films were successful. Barbie's transformative movie experience makes it a deserving choice for GameSpot's best movie of 2023. I can't wait to see what the future holds for the Barbie franchise and the impact it will continue to have on pop culture.
