The Matrix twist of this movie should have been that she wakes up in the real world at a Barbie factory in China where she realizes she is just one of millions of clones, and her soul/individuality comes from the girls playing with her.

People were literally weeping in my theatre at the part when Ken stood up and firmly stated “God’s children are not for sale!”

Ryan Gosling was definitely the best part of the movie. Dude's hilarious.

I am always surprised how you are able to articulate your point so well. Your reviews are always full of nuance that other critics always lack.

The Kens being both an avatar for women's lower class in real life due to them being lower class in Barbie land, but also being a stand in for a bad patriachy made the message confusing. It's like the Kens are the butt of every joke and then are the patriachy - but also are the barbie land equivalent of women without power in the real world? So were meant to see them as a joke for doing something about being opressed? But see it as horrible for women? In the real world the patriachy is potrayed as this big bad thing and then Ken brings that back to barbie land, but the barbie land matirachy is then the good guys fighting that. I realise the writers probably thought they were doing something clever and complicated but really it just came off like womens struggle against patriachy is some noble thing but the Kens were a bit of a joke and bad for struggling against the Barbie matraichy. It would have been clearer had at least some of the Barbies been more obviously bad like the Kens that Barbie land was a reverse of the real world, but as they werent it just seemed to give the message that women in charge is better than men in charge. That was another problem with the Barbies except for the broken Barbie - because the film tried to be so empowering for women, none of them were allowed to be a joke in the way the Kens were so ironically the Ken patriachy is the most fun part of the movie. It's like Greta Gerwig was so eager to slam all these male tropes, but couldn't really bring herself to poke fun of women in the way which a Barbie sisterhood gives you easy set ups to do. She instead saw that as a chance to represent matriachal harmony. It also has to be said that the bitterness about men does shine through in the movie, I can't think of another movie which so completely pillorizes literally every character of one gender. Even America Ferrara's husband is made an idiot and mocked for some reason. All the men, literally all, are dum dum villains or just dum dums.

In terms of Ryan Gosling performances, Barbie and The Nice Guys would make a terrific double bill.

"People will always be attracted to beauty ..." Very true. I don't understand why many today don't uderstand this or find it controversial. Its a very human instinct.

I recently discovered your channel, I think you are more inteligent than most of other reviewers out there, an actual critical thinker.

This movie reminds me why society is shit.

Yes. Heavy handed is huge problem for me.

Thank you for putting exact words to my confused reaction to the movie! You nailed my feelings exactly because I wanted to love this film

Crazy saying that Gosling doesn’t belong in more serious tone movies cause Drive is phenomenal.

Your reviews are so much better than the 1M+ club on KZfaq. Your nuanced commentary is informative and thoughtful. I appreciate the honest takes.

At the very least I'm just happy that there's a movie where I can actually see whats happening and it doesn't feel like I'm looking at a mostly black screen for 2 hours

Fabulous! You made my day! I really admire your approach in sharing ideas and feelings about movies!

You've come out of seemingly nowhere to be my favorite movie reviewer. I always look forward to your thoughts now!

This movie really had a chance to explore matriarchy Vs patriarchy and how they differ, relate, their faults, their benefits, etc. Maybe have a part where the Ken’s and Barbie’s switch places so they become the cops, doctors, etc. And Midway though the movie the Barbie’s don’t like how they’re being treated, but remember that the Ken’s are treating them the same way they were being treated. And through that, both sides realize they have faults and do their best to unlearn behavior that puts each side down. Instead of a man Vs women thing it should’ve been both sides realizing they aren’t perfect basically. This putting men down to hoist women up thing is getting annoying in media. Not disputing little girls having things to look to in media but this isn’t the way to do it in my opinion. Also, Hollywood acts like little boys don’t need role models and lessons taught to them in films and shows too. It’s silly.

Great review! Love the way you articulate your thoughts. I’m not surprised Ryan Gosling was excellent in his comedic role. Years back he proved to me that he has a knack for comedy with his role in the film THE NICE GUYS. It’s an absolute gem of a film! Anyway, love your channel and keep up the great work! 👍🏻😀

Your review: very thoughtful, very smart -- sharp and insightful--good job, well done. Just discovered your channel--and am now a subscriber.

I've been waiting for this review.

Idk how I subbed to you but man am I glad, you largely hit on the head what I think of this film, it’s entertaining while still being a message movie

The way Ryan Gosling "stole the show" reminds me of when I realized Chris Hemsworth had so much comedic potential in Ghostbusters 2016.

The main concern I had was that they opted to go heavy-handed and Barbie apparently makes some decisions at the end that just kind of screw over the Ken dolls as if that's OK after many decades of limiting their freedom and autonomy.

youre the only critic I really wanted to hear opinion from regarding this film.

Greta and Margot gave an interview to ABC media, available on youtube. The interview truly exposed their intention behind this movie. They just wanted to throw in as much controversial buzzwords as possible. They didnt have any clear idea about what was really the core of the movie. Margot even admits that it has radical feminism alover the movie. Greta was stuttering like an IC engine everytime she was asked a meaningful question about the movie's themes. Just watch the interview, its such an embarrassment

The intro tho. Epic. Maggie, I like the pink top for the review. Coincidence? I think not 😂. I like the movie thematically, and it's funny. I never thought I'd see a Barbie movie but what canI say life is strange. And I like your comparasement to The Wizard Of Oz.

I'm sorry, but the message of the movie shows how out of touch Hollywood really is. Ruth Handler not only created the Barbie Doll in the 1950s, but she was the driving force and partner of Mattel Toys. She worked WITH her husband (her highschool sweetheart) in creating Barbie and a toy company. This movie could have had a great message at the end where Barbie realized that how women treated men in her world is just as bad as men treating women bad in our world. IE: if a woman could work with a man in the 1950s to create amazing toys, then men and women can work hard together to create a great world today...which we already do...which is what is disgusting about the message of this movie. Anyway, most of the people who will watch this movie don't think much anyway, so any message will just go in one ear and out the other while they mutter: "me like pretty colors".

The review I've been waiting for.

I have watched reviews from left to right; from Beyond the trailer, The Guardian and NPR, to Film Treat, Critical Drinker and Ben Shapiro. You review is the most articulated, objective and well thought that I heard so far! I am more "center minded" when it comes to these things. You got a new subscriber, good job!

Good review, as always. I haven't seen it yet but my wife loved it so much as a pure comedy, without getting wrapped up in the message, that she's convinced me to go see it with her this week. I'm pretty curious what I'll think about it.

I want to shout from the rooftops just how great Ryan Gosling is in this film. He nails every mannerism and little joke that probably wouldn’t have been funny with a different actor. That’s all the positives I have for the film. I hesitate to use the word “hate”, but considering I declined my footrest in the theater because I was ready to leave about halfway through… I’d say hate is an accurate word for how I felt throughout every scene without Gosling.

You could tell Ryan Gosling was just having fun and wasn't taking anything serious.

Brilliant review! I think Gerwig is very talented. I can't count how many mumblecore movies I watched it the aughts. I always thought she was very charismatic and refreshing. I'm not sure how much of the script is her genuine voice and how much of it is expectations put on her by the studios--maybe even pressure that she put on herself to "send a message" with a movie about a kids toy instead of going all out and catering the movie to all audiences. You are also right on about Margot Robbie. In a society where everything from beer to pillows are polarized, she has managed to be amazingly charming from Wolf to Barbie. It shows that she has character and remains true to herself--and doesn't pander in order to be loved by the "cool kids". You did this, as well, with your review. Amazing job, per usual.

I've watched a lot of reviews and yours comes the closest to how I felt about the movie. Good analysis.

I listen to grace randolph to be annoyed, i listen to drinker to laugh along, and i listen to based and cerebral maggie for the best and most articulate take

Oppenheimer for the jokes, Barbie for the pondering and thoughtful dialogue

This review is brilliant. You are amazing, my friend. Keep on! God bless you!

Haven't seen it, but kind of see your point. Movies that emphasize concepts over character (when they are real characters, not just weird, as some movies confuse) tend to be this way. What did you think of Nomadland? It surprised me by doing the exact opposite.

You are seriously my favorite reviewer on KZfaq. I only recently discovered your channel and the way you articulate your thoughts and opinions is so well done and you have demonstrable critical thinking when it comes to your analyses. Great review; I plan on seeing Barbie next Friday and I can’t wait!

I enjoyed the first 20 minutes, especially the 'dawn of man' beginning, but the rest of the movie is just "man bad, patriarchy bad. Woman good, girl boss good". And like you said the patriarchy isn't like it was in the 60's especially in the west, especially, especially not in 2023 L.A.

I didn't like the trailer, I was never really hyped for this film, so while I kept an eye on it, I'm now pretty much 100% sure, that I'm not seeing it

I was very torn on this movie too and you have described perfectly all the aspects I loved and hated.

You have a beautiful voice, will you be doing a album of the essential lounge type songs? It would be great I’m sure! Seriously! Thanks M!

The Patriarchy?? Feminism??? Man, why can't we just have a fun movie without being preached to?

That opening was everything lol

I thought she was gonna wake up after the montage and be the old woman at the bus stop who'd lived a life and found herself finally content with who she is. Barbie, her former self, would see her and tell her how beautiful she was "I know that". I think that the reason the Mattel board scenes don't work is because it was clearly an after-thought, a self conscious attempt to make it less like an obvious toy commercial

I watched and reviewed this movie yesterday. Overall, I wouldn't say it was good, but it had its moments. I didn't really know what to expect out of a Barbie movie, of all things, but I can see they tried harder than I would've imagined. Maybe they tried too hard to a point where a lot of the commentary feels forced, uneven, and becomes inarticulate. I think some scaling back would've done this movie good, which I know Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach are capable of. It seems to me that they created this movie within the parameters of what the studio wanted, but that's just my theory. As always, great review, Maggie.

Hearing you describe the conflict between Barbie world and the "real" world makes me think of the play Man and Superman by George Bernard Shaw. In the middle of the play, there's a great conflict for Don Juan to pick between heaven (reality) and hell(fantasy).

Just here to confirm that you are the best movie reviewer on youtube with no competition!

Brilliant point about how the thesis of the movie would have worked much better as a period piece in, say, 1965 (a PERFECT year to pick, it's literally the cusp).

"I hate it when people think. I get so bored!"

Absolutely no idea why the film makers/Mattel would want to present this sort of messaging in a Barbie film? Since when is Barbie about ultra-feminism and since when was Ken a cuck?

I think the biggest achievement of this film was being able to remove all the poop, needles and homeless people from the streets of California

The pain of your internal mental struggle to rationalize the disaster of this omnifuckup of a movie is unpleasant to watch.

Considering the feminist angle of the film, Diablo Cody should have written it. Cody's anti-misogyny tropes in Jennifer's Body are easily wittier than the "Patriarchy" here.

Maggie new subscriber here thank you for being nuanced about the Barbie movie I would say the movie has a hamfisted message about patriarchy bad !

Spot on! I loved your opinion about how the patriarchy is something more of the past, at least here in the west ESPECIALLY in LA. I was born and raised in a country that was very machist and I had to get out it there because it was just toxic. And I can recognize that it is not what some feminist try to make it out to be here in the US especially!!! Even back in Guatemala I can see how it has changed tremendously and women can do anything and everything they want! Men have toned down quite a lot. The most important thing is that I always felt a feminist however it’s been sad for me to see how feminism has turned into the new machism. Not good, I want everyone to be treated fairly and I don’t think men are being treated fairly. I am a mom to a boy and I don’t want him to be the new butt of the joke, or have to go through what women went through many years ago. I don’t want that. Anyway, I appreciate your objective review, thanks! 🎉

Agreed on all points. Ken could have his own movie.

I thought the eye candy was fantastic but I had so many problems with this movie. All of my friends thought it was just about the greatest thing they've ever seen and when I attempted to discuss it with them, I realized that it just wasn't worth it. My problem is that it is so hypocritical: it's "making a statement" about feminism, the patriarchy and corporatization when ultimately it's profiting off all of those things. We are at the point where Mattel (or insert corporation here) controls everything to the point where they can purposefully critique themselves and still walk away making a gazillion dollars off it. And sure, it's entertaining and funny at some points but for me, not so much. I found the comedy to be pretty average and the message incredibly obvious. It's like Mattel was revealing some kind of "truth" while simultaneously laughing at the audience and walking away with a fortune generated from our incomes in the process. Pretty gross if you think about it.

I love your measured critical assessments, because truth matters to me. You put a pin in my bubble, which calls for a grudging “Thanks, I guess, I probably needed that.”

I went into this because I liked Greta's previous work and was interested as to how she was going to make a movie about plastic dolls bearable. After my barbenheimmer double feature I can say it was much funnier than I anticipated imho. The production design should definitely get a nod, maybe even Ryan Gosling if the academy will even do it lol

Perhaps this is bad question, but, does the movie make you want to play with a doll or buy one for someone?

It's funny that you're so surprised with Ryan Gosling because La La Land and from what I've heard about The Nice Guys showed that he could be one of the great comic actors today.

The most level-headed and understated (in a good way) review I’ve seen for this film yet. I enjoyed the movie a lot, but I agree wholeheartedly with your analysis of its thesis and intent. Might go see it again thanks to you! :)

Your face in the thumbnail.😂

My DFL late night ppl we EATING thanku queen!!

13:58 that's very wise. I agree. And great review as always

Great breakdown. As someone who heard the worst about this movie and was definitely not going to see it in theaters... well, at least I'm certain now I'll wait until it's on streaming. Sounds like there are a few laughs but in the end I'm not going to feel too great about it.

An interesting analysis, but what psychological programming will girls receive from watching this movie?

I feel very much like you did with the film. Probably the first inkling that something was a little off was when Ken became obsessed with horses and that weird assertion that “horses were an extension of the man” (?) I found that extremely odd, because in my mind and experience, women were the ones that were always way more into horses than men were. I don’t know a single male friend that was ever into them. It would have made more sense if it was motorcycles, or monster trucks or dinosaurs or something. I would never have even thought of horses as being something that was more coded as male than female. After that part, there were other things that stood out but thought they were less strange.

For some reason I'm reminded of Lars and the Real Girl also starring Ryan Gosling. I wonder why?

Movies like this are just a replay of Betty Thomas's The Brady Bunch movies from the 90s or Nora Ephron doing Bewitched (which also starred Ferrell). These pseudo-intellectual self-aware "comedies" using some recognizable IP, giving it a huge budget and starring HUGE respectable actors who are walking click-bait to a marketing department. Ice cream tentpole types movies with very minimal caloric intake selling themselves as "smart" and "topical". Except this time, the marketing department went so far as to market the movie saying "if you love Barbie, this movie's for you." and "If you hate Barbie, this movie is for you. Right. Because if I hate something then of course I should support it by paying money on first weekend to fuel further sequels in an desperate IP bid.

9:00 "It kind of like gave off that like Johnny Depp-Jack Sparrow energy" But we can respect Captain Jack Sparrow's character. "Just Ken" just doesn't cut it.

The cat call scene was funny but out of touch. I'm living in California there is no way a pretty blonde chick would be arrested for slugging a guy after he slapped her ass, in front of witnesses no less. That guy probably would have gotten beaten up by other men who saw it. Lol

I liked this movie a lot more than I thought I would. Ken was hilarious, the message though heavy handed and a quite corny is a good one and I was pleasantly suprised by the nuance kens character brought to the film.

yep ya nailed it. exactly how i thought of the movie too as i walked out of the cinema last night. some great stuff in there particularly Gosling. Akin perhaps to Ledger's Joker in how much his performance elevated the film as a whole. How long is it now since Will Ferrels been funny btw? could of done without any of that Mattel/goon squad stuff. Robbie was terrific as expected but her journey felt rather hollow come the end which did not pay off emotionally for me at all. That Maxtrix stuff was so poorly handled. Love GG and can't wait to see where she goes next though. Great review thanks.

The movie really works depicting men in my country. We are waaaaay backwards on men respecting women here in Brazil.

They lost me every time ‘the Patriarchy’ came up.

My goodness since when diid going to a movie get so complex? Does everyone have to have a degree in gender studies decode a bloody movie? That alone is reason enough to avoid it. And to describe humanity's love of beauty as a revelation? Good grief!

There are a lot of ways to interpret this movie. I felt like the bluntness of the thesis was itself provocational. It just calls out for "Yeah, but..." That said, the couple I watched it with complained that it focused too much on Ken.

does ryan gosling watch deepfocuslens?

You really nailed how I felt about the movie, but couldn't explain in words.

Great Review. I keep what you say almost at The end of the video: "The cake it's not as good as it looks"

Excellent review! Thanks.

You’re right about Ryan Gosling, The Nice Guys is a perfect example of what you’re talking about! (Deadpan comedy)

Please consider a review focusing on anima/animus themes in the film _Urban Cowboy._

The Box Office will judge “Barbie,” and hey hey hey, it’s a hit! 👏🏼

Those traditions are held intact. It's a big country and here in Ohio, not much has changed. The reason you sympathize with Ryan Gosling as Ken is because he's placed in the woman's role from the beginning of the story.

I enjoyed the movie a lot, like you said Ryan Gosling was shockingly funny in it. I agree that the feminism themes especially in LA felt kind of dated or out of touch with culture currently and that took some of the punch out of it for me, but overall I had a great time. It was also a lot of fun seeing it in a packed theater with lots of people dressed up and bringing a lot of positive energy, I think the last time I experienced that was the last Harry Potter movie. Also, I thought the set design / practical effects / sound stages were just fantastic

G'day from... not so sunny Australia right now - you summed up the reality of 'current day' for the majority of western culture which seems to be completely ignored (how 'males' see themselves today)... it's truly sad to see what we've become

Great analysis. This film isn't for me on any level. However I do question the relevance of a film like this? Children do not really play with toys anymore.

Awesome review, Barbie is my most anticipated movie of 2023 and can't wait to see it Sunday. Margot Robbie was born to play Barbie and she should work with Greta more often. I'm certainly team Barbie in Barbiehiemer!

such an excellent review!

You’re good at this, thank you 🙏

I've seriously had enough of hollywood misandry.

When people say "real world:" regarding this movie, I smile, for both worlds are not real, it is a fiction fantasy movie for entertainment. I have only seen the trailer. I like the vivid bright lighting and colors, it reminded me of Pushing Daises, Cat in the Hat, Edward Scissor Hands. Too many low lighting movies and not enough well lit movies imo. Thanks .

A nice review! Thank you!

I think your understanding of modern (4th wave) feminism is spot on. It is 1950s/60s patriarchy reversed, undermining the geniune gains of earlier feminist movements.

Hi, have you seen Dark Blood? The River Phoenix flick?

Have you reviewed. Sound of Freedom?