MARGOT Robbie has rarely put a foot wrong since taking Hollywood by the throat with Wolf of Wall Street in 2013.
But she takes on a decidedly more innocent role as Barbie – ‘Stereotypical Barbie’ to be specific – in what turns out to be an unexpectedly enjoyable tale on the meaning of life.
Starring alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken, who struggles with his existential definition – certainly not his physical definition – Barbie cleverly transports viewers between the ‘perfect’ Barbie World and not so perfect Real World after Barbie starts asking some uncomfortable questions about death.
What follows is a fast-moving and very pink vision of the representation of the struggles people face in society, while being light-hearted and amusing enough for all ages.
Ken particularly struggles with his identity throughout the movie – asking why he is an accessory in one world but so revered in the real world where patriarchy (and horses) rule.
“Don’t worry, we just hide patriarchy better,” one CEO whispers when Ken is told he’s a bit late to the patriarchy party.
A touching scene at a ‘Real World’ bus stop between Barbie and an older woman also speaks to the unexpected emotional depth the movie reaches.
A scene with all the Kens warring together before dancing together is also a highlight.
Robbie and Gosling are brilliant together.
The Australian star doesn’t put a healed or flat foot wrong while Gosling plays both plastic fantastic and emotional depth across Ken in equally delicious manner.
You always worry how Hollywood is going to finish a movies such as this, but it’s worth the wait.
Five stars from GC&M News.
