Unleashing an Unforgettable Duo: Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling Redefine the Barbie Hype

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

The Barbie marketing campaign is worthy of praise, earning three out of four stars. Margot Robbie flawlessly portrayed a living doll, stunning on multiple red carpets with her nostalgic Day-to-Night Barbie outfit. Meanwhile, Ryan Gosling effortlessly emitted the ideal amount of Ken-ergy. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Playtime is now over, and the answer to the significant question is a resounding yes - life in plastic is undeniably fantastic. Without relying on a 1997 novelty song for inspiration, it can be confidently said that the Barbie movie is an absolute delight. With its highly stylized and incredibly charming nature, it is guaranteed to captivate and please any audience. Watch it once to witness the outstanding performances, impeccable fashion, and exceptional production design, and then watch it again to assure yourself that it wasn't simply a fantastical dream.

At first glance, this highly anticipated comedy takes us into the adventures of the iconic fashion doll (played by Robbie), aptly named "Stereotypical Barbie." In the dazzling realm of Barbieland, where pink represents not just a color but an entire lifestyle, she awakens every day with a beaming smile and an infectiously sunny attitude. Alongside her fellow Barbie counterparts, portrayed by talented individuals such as Issa Rae, Hari Nef, and Emma Mackey, they reign supreme as Nobel Prize laureates, political leaders, Supreme Court justices, and so much more.

After sunset, they engage in a lively party featuring synchronized dance moves. The beachy and attractive Ken (played by Gosling) and his group of friends (Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa) desperately yearn for their attention.

However, one fateful morning, the stereotypical Barbie starts feeling off. Her milk has turned sour and her perfectly arched feet lose their shape. Even dark thoughts of death start creeping into her mind. How horrifying! The insightful Weird Barbie (portrayed by Kate McKinnon) explains that a tear has occurred in the Barbie universe. In order to restore happiness in both realms, she must venture into the "real world" (specifically Century City, California) and aid the young girl who is currently playing with her. Ken enthusiastically hops into the convertible, and they embark on a challenging journey that proves to be quite rough.

The narrative may be as familiar as a gift-wrapped Barbie Dreamhouse in December, but Barbie is co-scripted and directed by Greta Gerwig, a feminist auteur known for her post-modern sensibilities. In this film, Gerwig has infused it with innovative and subversive twists.

Simply watching shiny, happy Barbie and Ken stick out amongst cynical Angelinos isn't enough to elicit laughs. Both characters undergo an epiphany early on: they realize that outside their bubble, Alpha Males hold power and women endure constant scrutiny. A poignant scene features a teenage girl (played by Ariana Greenblatt) confronting Barbie about her contribution to unattainable beauty standards. Even a frantic return trip to Barbieland fails to restore order.

Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros.

Exploring the finest surprises that Barbie has to offer is a truly delightful experience. Every detail, from the artificial waves at the beach to the choice of catchy tunes, invites a sense of imaginative discovery. And when it comes to Robbie and Gosling, their casting is so remarkably spot-on that they become a spectacle in themselves. Gosling, in particular, lives up to the praise surrounding him: this versatile actor has never displayed such carefree charm onscreen before. (Did he even exhibit this level of exuberance when he sang and danced during his time on The New Mickey Mouse Club?) Not only does he bring immense humor, but he also injects a sense of humanity, demonstrating why Ken should be regarded as more than just Barbie's plaything.

Gerwig has a lot to say regarding the significance of acknowledging Barbie's flaws, making it fitting that her film is not flawless either. When the power dynamics in Barbieland become unbalanced, instead of taking action, the Barbies resort to delivering numerous speeches. In fact, too many speeches. We understand, we understand - women face challenges! They need to be independent! However, the incessant discussion on patriarchy and autonomy becomes monotonous after a while, surely going over the heads of young girls (and boys) currently playing with a Barbie doll.

To take it a step further, Barbie is specifically targeted towards those who had a Rollerblade Barbie back in the day: Gen Xers and older Millennials. No one else would appreciate the vibrant colors, let alone the Matchbox Twenty reference.

The summer movie season has been disappointing on multiple levels, but there is a welcome relief in the form of Barbie. This whimsical and delightful movie is presented in a vibrant and colorful package. Be sure not to underestimate its potential.

Mark your calendars, Barbie will be hitting theaters on Friday, July 21.