Barbie

Barbie opened today to rave reviews, and as the song 'I'm a Barbie Girl', echoes in the background, and pink patrons exit stage right, it marks the end of local theatre. Wilsonville Regal Movie Theatre closed its doors as one of the most groundbreaking films rolls its credits. Margo Robbie, as appealing as ever, transcends the scenes and depicts the fantasy that every little girls look to live. But this movie was more than skirts and dreamhouses, it forces the topic of the role of men and women in society.

It starts in Barbie Land, where everything seems perfect, when 'Stereotypical Barbie', surrounded by the makeshift models of her community, contemplates death. The entire party stops. She puts a smile on, and acts like the world is serene, and continues the façade that many women must maintain.

Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, portrays the other major and dynamic character. With washboard abs, bleached hair, and a seemingly flawless persona, he fights to gain Barbie's attention. He begrudgingly spends his ordinary day at the beach, where he awaits his pretty princess. As all the male characters are named Ken, with the exception of Michael 'Allen' Cera, he fades into the background and nearly comes to fists in an effort to gain Barbie's recognition. When Ken projects his affinity for her, she shuts him down... EVERY DAY. He walks away after Barbie returns to her regular Girls Night, yearning to be a bigger, more meaningful part of her life.

When Barbie fears death, and even scarier, cellulite, she consults Kate McKinnon, who has been cast as 'Weird Barbie' because she has been tarnished with cut hair, painted face, and spread legs, describing the playfulness of young girls. She explains that to overcome this personal obstacle, she must travel to the real world, to find why her owner is facing such contemplations. Thankfully, Ken is in the backseat to tag along.

The two end up in Los Angeles, rollerblading in highlighted, matching outfits, and begin to see the world with new eyes. Construction workers' banter, mysogynistic men, and teenage girl criticism, the two are astonished at the world outside their Dreamhouse. For the first time, Barbie is pushed to tears. In contrast, Ken becomes aware of the true power that men have in the world.

Will Ferrell plays the part of Mattel CEO, who scrambles to return Barbie back to her box. But Barbie has other plans. Barbie looks to find out why her owner is looking for IMperfection, and soon she sees why. As Ken finds that men characteristically like horses, sports, and the favor of unjustified preference in society, Barbie grapples with what it means to be a woman.

Ken returns to Barbie Land enlightened of the true role of a man, and changes the world of women into a typical man's system. With beer, biceps, and babes, the Kens transform their domain into a different dynamic. The Barbies, including 'President Barbie' and 'Doctor Barbie', are now demeaned to catering to these standardized men. The two female humans accompany Barbie to the Kendom, flabbergasted at the new environment, and demand change.

In a profound speech, America Ferrera depicts the constant struggles and ridiculous expectations placed upon an entire gender. One at a time, she conforms the conditioned Barbies to awareness that they are more than a doll... that they have an impact on the world. The play figurines play the part of a naive woman, asking for men's help and pretending to be interested in rock music and 'The Godfather', only to retake Barbie Land after they turn the Kens against each other over their competitive spirit and jealousy.

Ken struggles to maintain his elaborate role in society, when really he wants to love Barbie. He is forced under the constraints of a typical man, and aspires to be himself. In a powerful moment, the two characters that have forever been synonymous with each other, realize that they are, and want to be, different things. In an epic conclusion, Barbies and Kens realize they can be whatever they want, and with the help of creator Ruth Handler, they change their "humanity."

Would I want a Barbie??? NO, but I would want to have a 'stereotypical' woman, with attractive characteristics, can walk in heels, and is excited to have a family. And yeah, I like a lot of the same things as the 'stereotypical' man. I like sports, beer, movies and music. I believe that is all okay! But I recognize, understand, and appreciate that men and women are different and unique from the impractical dolls that dominate their youth.

Barbie was a great movie to change the gender norms placed on today's society. The sets were indictive, the characters representative, and the plot moved along synchronously. It has a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer'. It has been reviewed and glorified by many critics, and could bring home an Oscar. I did not laugh, I did not cry, but rather, I sat plugged into the assessment of society, and with a reinvigorated perspective.

Movie theatres have been a mainstay for everyone. There is not anyone who has not eaten popcorn, sat in an uncomfortable seat, and walked on sticky floors to the productions of Warner Brothers, Paramount, Pixar, and Disney. My brother worked in a movie theatre, and has become uninspired to return. Most still enjoy cinema, but the comfort of their couch seems to be enough with the momentum of streaming services, without spending 50 bucks for a night out. Sadly, the enticement of enjoying a movie in an audience has been derailed, and now that there is a BIG writers strike, it is unclear how we will regain the atmosphere of the theatre. I will continue to strive to experience motion pictures, even if I have to build my own damn movie room in my own damn dreamhouse... because I recognize the enjoyment of previews, plots, and probably most important... credit.