“Stereotypical” Barbie (Margot Robbie) lives happily in Barbieland, where most of the women are variations on Barbie and most of the men are Ken (except a comically deadpan Michael Cera as Allan, the forgotten male doll). Her perfect life is upended when she and Ken visit the real world. Writers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig (who also directed) have come up with brilliantly clever ways to upend expectations, while making meaningful statements and providing lots of glee. Robbie makes a perfect Barbie, but it’s really Ryan Gosling, as her special Ken, who makes the best impression. He takes a non-descript character and makes him sweetly charming and simply hilarious, a brilliant turn. Gerwig has infused every frame with bright energy, delightful moments and surprisingly subversive observations (esp. the Mattel references). The final dramatic scenes could have been a bit shorter, but the whole movie is filled with lovable whimsy and giddy fun (and a few touches of humanity). It’s so much fun to play with this Barbie! 
(4.5 / 5)
