The idea of a movie about Barbie sounded totally ridiculous to me when I first heard about it. I couldn't believe such a star-studded cast and talented director Greta Gerwig had been talked into participating in a Mattel-driven project about a doll that seemed so utterly out of touch with modern life and girlhood.
Once I watched the trailer though, I reconsidered. I thought the movie seemed clever and fun. With everything happening in the world—a war in Ukraine, a serial killer on Long Island, multiple Trump indictments, layoffs, a writers' strike, etc.—I began to think a silly movie about Barbie with some biting social satire might be just what the doctor ordered.
It is the best day ever. So was yesterday, and so is tomorrow, and every day from now until forever.
Barbie movie
The "Barbenheimer" hype surrounding both Barbie and Oppenheimer—the two major summer releases coming out on the same weekend—felt like a throwback to simpler times before streaming and Covid-19 sucked the excitement out of going to the cinema to see a movie with friends. I was reminded of the days when I was a kid and the latest Indiana Jones, Stars Wars or Steven King movie was set to hit the theaters and these movies dominated conversations at school or over summer vacation.
With the early Barbie showings completely selling out at my local movie theater, I bought a few tickets in advance and convinced some friends to don their pink outfits and join me. I was thrilled to see my local theater packed to the gills for the first time in ages, after struggling to survive through the past few very lean years.
The audience was intergenerational and in great spirits throughout the show. I've read and heard criticism of the film, and I agree with some of it. But overall, it felt great to be back at the movies enjoying an amusing take on an American icon with friends.
Oppenheimer is next!
Julia and her friends at their local Barbie showing.
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