Rick's 'Barbie' Review: A Satirical Take on the Iconic Doll's Film Adaptation

Summary:

• Rick Bentley reviews the long-awaited Barbie movie, praising its satire and visuals while criticizing its dark turn in the last third.
• Margot Robbie's portrayal of Barbie receives accolades for capturing the essence of the iconic doll.
• The film's satire might not be easily understood by younger viewers, raising questions about its target audience.
• Parents should be aware of the PG-13 rating, as there are a few uncomfortable moments for kids aged 13 and under.
• The emotional rollercoaster of the movie, from laughter to tears, adds depth to the story.
• The unsatisfying ending leaves the audience feeling unresolved about Barbie's cinematic journey.

Rick Bentley, 17s entertainment expert, shares his thoughts on the highly anticipated Barbie movie, providing a mixed review that praises its satire and visuals but criticizes its dark turn in the final act.

The long-awaited Barbie movie has finally hit theaters, and audiences are eager to see how the iconic doll translates to the big screen. Rick Bentley, the entertainment expert at 17s, sat down to share his review of the film. In the first two-thirds of the movie, Bentley was delighted by the film's clever satire and parody of the Barbie universe. With Margot Robbie cast as Barbie, the movie nails the character's essence, capturing the nostalgia of those who grew up with the doll. The story is set in a land of misfit Barbie dolls, and even lesser-known characters like Alan, Ken's forgotten buddy, get their moments on the silver screen. Ryan Gosling's portrayal of Ken is spot-on, adding to the film's visual appeal with its vivid depiction of the Barbie world. However, Bentley points out that the movie takes a sudden dark turn in the last third. Greta Gerwig, the director and co-writer, uses the opportunity to champion self-awareness, women's rights, and corporate greed. While this contrast adds depth to the story, it leaves the audience puzzled about the film's target audience. The humor throughout the film is satirical and might be lost on younger viewers, leading Bentley to question who the movie is ultimately intended for. Additionally, the PG-13 rating comes with a few potentially uncomfortable moments for younger viewers. Some dialogue and discussions are not entirely suitable for children aged 13 and under, and parents may want to consider this before taking their kids to see the movie. The emotional rollercoaster of the movie is another aspect that stands out. While the first two-thirds have Bentley laughing out loud, the last third delves into the meaning of life, motherhood, and the connections between mothers and daughters. This emotional depth even brought some moviegoers to tears. However, Bentley is disappointed with the ending, finding it unsatisfying. The movie attempts to convey that Barbie's story never ends, but Bentley argues that films still require a proper conclusion. The lack of a satisfying ending leaves the audience feeling unresolved. Overall, Rick Bentley gives the Barbie movie a B minus grade, appreciating its satire, visuals, and performances but acknowledging its darker themes and inconclusive ending. Whether the movie resonates with its target audience remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—the Barbie movie is a significant event for fans of the iconic doll.

As movie theaters face challenges during this time, it will be interesting to see which film comes out on top at the box office—'Barbie' or 'Oppenheimer.' Each brings its own unique appeal and runtime, catering to different audiences. The weekend's box office results will shed light on the public's preference for movie choices.