It’s summer blockbuster season, and despite the mixed reviews, I took a group of 10-year-olds to see “Barbie.” I’m a conservative mom, and I had my concerns – but I didn’t walk out the way I thought I would.
Picture this: The Barbie movie kicks off with a story that tugs at your heartstrings. The scene paints a sepia-toned picture of a time when little girls had nothing more than baby dolls to play with. But when Barbie comes on the scene, one girl, in a fit of frustration, takes it out on her baby dolls, breaking them into pieces. Heads literally rolled. This opening, lasting three minutes, left a bitter taste in my group’s mouths.
Then the film rolls into the versatility of Barbie, a doll that can assume any role, even the bumpy ride of motherhood. But here’s the twist, it takes a weird detour poking fun at the idea of pregnant dolls and ends up chuckling at motherhood. Needless to say, my group and I were not amused.
Yet, the true star of this show isn’t our blonde friend, Barbie. It’s a mom, brought to life by the fabulous America Ferrara. The film weaves a relatable tale of this mother-daughter duo navigating their typical disagreements, but ultimately discovering a deep love and respect for each other.
Men and patriarchy weren’t spared from the humor either, but this humor was as tasteful as it could be. And yes, there was a Barbie who’s transgender, though it’s blink-and-you-miss-it kind of subtle.
The movie illustrated how women support each other and lift them up. Likewise, it also displayed how men support each other and have each other’s backs.
All in all, even though Barbie gets the title credit, this movie goes beyond her. It’s really a tribute to women, moms and daughters, celebrating their individuality and breaking free from expected norms. It’s about recognizing and embracing the talents God gave you. And that, my friends, is a message worth spreading.
I would recommend that moms and daughters see this movie together- and discuss what they see. There’s a lot going on in the movie. It may seem bubble-gum sweet, but it has its complexities that interweave the story. It’s a blockbuster of a film that raked in over $155 million during its opening weekend making it the biggest opening this year. And don’t forget to wear pink!
