BARBIE (2023): Greta Gerwig’s Film Gets First Online Critical Reaction and it’s Good…but Not Great

First Critical Reaction in for Greta Gerwig’s Barbie

The early news on Barbie is in and, according to Time writer Eliana Dockterman, the film is a lot of fun but “overwhelmed with ideas.”

Elements of Legally Blonde and Clueless could be showcased in Barbie if Eliana Dockterman’s comments hold true in the opinion of the masses. In any event, Dockterman seems to have enjoyed the upcoming Mattel dolls-based movie singling out Ryan Gosling’s performance as one of its biggest assets. It was also stated that the picture is “self aware.” That’s a good thing and what you would expect from a filmmaker of Gerwig’s caliber.

Will Gerwig get an Oscar nod for Best Director, though? At this particular point in time, that prospect could be iffy but the other technical aspects of the movie could be Academy Award worthy. Pink is in this summer at the movies, for sure, judging from the sets of this new summer film due out next month.

Anyone who views the trailer could see the possibility that the picture could be brimming with more ideas than it could successfully explore. Could Barbie have bitten off more than it could chew? Perhaps, but probably not for mainstream audiences regardless of what Dockterman has suggested.

The mixed reaction of the aforementioned criticism won’t necessarily hurt the box-office results of Barbie but could dampen its chances as a big awards contender if others share the same views that were expressed. Many had expected Margot Robbie to steal the spotlight as the title character but Ryan Gosling’s Ken seems to be the most valuable player here.

Whereas Eliana Dockterman has written for quite some time about Mattel, the opinion that was shared about Barbie is certainly an educated one. Other critics may find the movie to their liking, though, despite the expressed views that were brought into light. For one, Barbie seems to take a lot of big risks and critics today seem to appreciate that about movies that have come out recently. However, if Barbie plays more like a popcorn movie like Legally Blonde, its Oscar prospects could have a dim light cast over them. But, Barbie was never made to win Oscars despite the Academy Awards nominated talent involved.

As almost everybody knows, Oppenheimer will open the same weekend as Barbie. That’s the big Christopher Nolan drama that is said to be a really devastating but powerful story. However perfect Oppenheimer may be, summer audiences will still want to laugh which makes Eliana Dockterman’s comparisons to summer hits like Legally Blonde and Clueless work in Barbie‘s favor. People will want to be moved by the likes of Oppenheimer but will embrace Barbie as the movie that will help them sleep better at night. Keep your eyes peeled for a FilmBook review of Barbie close to or on the film’s release date.

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