It's 'Barbie' (2023)

Barbie is a 2023 live-action movie that is based on the popular animated movie series and the toy line of the same name. The title character is a stereotypical teenage blonde, with long hair and wears her signature pink outfits and accessories. Her boyfriend, Ken, has a major role in the film. Margot Robbie plays Barbie.

From looking at various scenes, viewers can easily distinguish the Barbie World and the Real World. The Barbie World is described as a perfect happy ending and resembles a typical California vibe. The Real World is a picture of reality in America: a cold, cold world. The shoes Barbie wears on her feet symbolize the two worlds. The pink high-heeled shoes symbolize the Barbie World. The brown shabby shoes resemble the Real World. The differences between the two worlds show viewers the experience of being in a perfect daydream all the time versus being in reality.

Barbie also has a lot of blonde jokes and references. Teen girl movies such as Legally Blonde, Mean Girls, and Sleepover are heavily referenced in many scenes. One scene shows a close-up camera angle of Barbie walking and taking off her high-heeled shoes; viewers see how her feet are in a perfect high-heeled shape with her heels off the ground. In fact, the title character herself fits the archetype of the typical teenage blonde girl protagonist. Barbie has a hot boyfriend, has no clue about life outside of Barbie World, and has a hot pink sports car. All of the buildings and locations are based on the doll sets in the Barbie toy line.

Viewers see a strong representation of women in this movie based on the famous (or infamous by turns) Barbie. Greta Gerwig directs the live-action romp and brings a feminine perspective to the cinema.

This live-action Barbie film focuses on the topics and identities of blonde people, especially blonde women. In fact, a blonde joke categorizes Ken as “a girl’s toy.” This references Ken’s mansion and closet of outfits just like in the Barbie toy line. Since Barbie is white, can she be related to Marilyn?

Compared to the animated Barbie movies, this live-action film features supporting actors of color. Viewers will also notice trending topics of the 2000s are making a big comeback in this film. Whether viewers love Barbie, hate Barbie, or simply grew up with Barbie, this movie captures it all.

This live-action Barbie movie is recommended for audiences of all types, especially teenagers.