Barbie - Powerful in Pink

 

For rent on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon, and YouTube 

    Like many things from our collective childhoods, Barbie has gone through something of an identity crisis. Intended as little more than a toy for girls, perceived as a consumerist piece of propaganda spreading unhealthy expectations for women, and rediscovered as a means of positive female empowerment (at least partially). Not to mention the "unconventional" ways some people have played with the toys over the years. It's one of the many icons of childhood that may have started out as nothing more than a number on a balance sheet for toy manufacturers. However, it still resonated with people in profound and meaningful ways, not unlike The Transformers or Beenie Babies.

    The makers behind the Barbie movie seem to realize this well enough to deliver a fantastic and entertaining story about feminism, perception, patriarchy, unhealthy expectations, and the need for balance. It may not be perfect in its presentation, but it doesn't need to be, and that's okay. 

   While this would typically be where I would summarize the story, this is one occasion where I think it's best that I did not do so this time. Partially because the story is, among other things, borderline bonkers in the most fun way possible. It embraces the absurdity of its presentation while still delivering a surprisingly profound message about all the things listed earlier. For the best experience possible, it's better not to know too much, except that it works in its own way. 

    The performances are what ultimately holds the movie together. Everyone in the cast has incredible energy and never misses the mark. Kate McKinnon, in particular, gets to have the most fun as the embodiment of the unorthodox ways that some of us preferred to play with Barbie dolls. You'll know exactly what I mean when/if you see it. 

    To say more about this movie would spoil the many surprises in store. While it may not be my favorite movie with profound feminist themes, it is a delightful surprise through and through. It's worth checking out at least once and will leave an impact in some way. 

    I promise it's worth your time. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.