A little before halfway through the Barbie movie, the stereotypical blonde doll, played by Margot Robbie, is rollerblading on the boardwalk at Venice Beach with her boyfriend Ken. They are wearing garishly bright spandex outfits. People on the boardwalk find them strange. Barbie realizes she feels weird and self-conscious for the first time. The movie, co-written and directed by Greta Gerwig, satirizes Barbie’s cultural legacy, unrealistic beauty standards, and Mattel’s profit motive. Barbie is aware of its faults and critiques itself throughout. Despite the fun and silliness, the movie gets stuck in a loop of self-awareness. It acknowledges the baggage of Barbie while burnishing Mattel’s image. The film recognizes the paradoxical nature of Barbie’s influence. It invites scrutiny but is best enjoyed for its simplicity. A summer blockbuster co-produced by Mattel cannot fully address the complexities of Barbie’s legacy. The movie acknowledges this challenge. Barbie’s creator Ruth Handler consoles that human life is messy, and it’s best not to overthink it.
