Maybe Dolls Aren't So Bad | Barbie Best Movie of the Year

Barbie was a huge hit, as discussed in my Barbenheimer article. I was trying to decide which of the two I liked better. At first viewing, I put the explosive movie over the doll flick. But over time and a second viewing, I grew to love Barbie. How they addressed gender was surprising and, at times, refreshing. It's one of the more fun, entertaining movies this year.

In hindsight, I should've watched Barbie after Oppenheimer. I found it tough to focus on and let myself enjoy the former. Barbie excelled in the set designs, and constant references to toy dolls of the past mixed with the often landing humor. Ryan Gosling was one of many involved who helped Barbie succeed. His performance carried a metric ton of comedic weight for the film. But, without that second watch-through, I never would have known how good the movie was.

Greta Gerwig and the crew kept it light and fun but also positioned a great depth to the film. That depth lay in the conversation about a woman's role in the real world and the effects of patriarchy. Upon first watch, I thought the execution was cringe. Soon, after a more engaged look, that idea was out the door. I was rather impressed by their careful consideration of the topic. It was genuine, and I've never seen a movie get this level of response from women around me. Many women have connected to it, but Barbie wasn't pandering like some "girl power" movies.

How are men portrayed in Barbie?

There was quite a bit of viewer controversy about Barbie's portrayals of men. This controversy was unnecessary but also telling. It was no attack on men, nor in no way villainized men, but rather characters like Ken and the CEO of Mattel were the examples. They displayed how some men act towards the inequalities of women every day. Living in the Barbie World governed by a matriarchy, Ken experienced what women endure in the patriarchal world. Luckily for Ken, he was able to see he was Kenough. They addressed these sensitive issues, but they did so through great humor and great characters like Ken.

Barbie has now become one of my favorite movies of the year. Maybe Barbie is the best movie of the year. It was a movie that has stuck with me since viewing it. It kept me entertained, and I'd watch it several times over. From the deeper conversations on gender, it still captured a fun time, a challenging feat. But funny enough, this movie about a doll did just that.

Check out our other articles on Barbie for extra insight on this movie that hits hard.