Smallsteps has spent the night at her Aunty's place at their summer place, which is out in the sticks on their family farm, next to a lake. She didn't want to go, as she is having a stage where she doesn't want to be away from us (her mother, but I say "us" to make myself feel relevant), even though once she is there doing what she does, she is glad she is. So far, they have been swimming in the lake, in the sauna, on a trampoline, playing with a puppy and today, performing in the Olympics. They have put on a sporting event, that includes frisbee golf, throwing gumboots and kicking balls. Sounds like fun.
Since my wife and I had a rare night off, we decided to make a date of it after dropping Smallsteps out in the woods. So, we made an impromptu dinner reservation and a restaurant that we like, to go with the movie we had already booked ahead of time. We bought a handful of tickets for Christmas and are yet to use them, and they expire soon, so we have to get on it.
I chose the movie.
Note: There may be spoilers.
It was either that, or Oppenheimer, and I wanted to go to something that was a bit lighter for once. Normally when we go to the movies it is to see something that is better on the big screen like Avatar, or something that more serious - The last one was The Whale. We rarely go for something "fun", so Barbie seemed like a good choice.
While not an overly smart or even good movie perhaps, it was still interesting in some way, though the most interesting thing is how some people in the media have reacted to it, as if it is some spawn of the devil. I do kind of get it though, as it very obviously follows its agenda, or perhaps should it be "a gender", but isn't that to be expected?
Short Girl Barbie
However, the other interesting part of it is more that if you look a little below the obviousness of the storyline, the real star of the movie is Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. While both characters go on a self discovery mission of some sort, while Barbie's "looks don't matter" approach was the obvious line, the real discovery was from Ken, who took a more complex trajectory through the challenges of being a man and masculinity in the current culture, landing on him being enough.
And as far as the movie went, I like Margot Robbie, but I think the biggest Kudos actually goes to Gosling, as I think that the character came across as more developed. However, remember that this movie is intentionally awkward, because they are portraying toys, meaning that their movements are somewhat hampered, and the special effects are made to emphasize how kids play with the dolls. Some of the details in this are actually quite well done and funny to watch.
The age was 7+ but I don't think I would take my daughter to see it, as I reckon most of it would be outside of her understanding. It is not that it would be an issue, but I didn't really get the sense that other than them being Barbies, there was really anything in there for younger kids. I also don't think that the themes around gender equality are approached all that well, though for adults it might bring some points up for discussion, if not used to discussing these things normally
We went to an 18+ version of the movie.
Unfortunately, it wasn't a different movie with gratuitous nudity, graphic sex scenes and over the top violence, it was that it was possible to take alcohol into the theater. This is quite new in Finland (alcohol is highly regulated) and it was a bit strange to have a glass of red wine in my hand, instead of candy. However, it was far better than candy. I would do it again for sure!
It wasn't the best movie ever, but it was a pleasant movie, with a lot of stupid little details in it, if you are into this kind of thing. I don't think it requires a cinema for it, but it was a nice night out together regardless and I am glad we didn't see Oppenheimer - though I want to see that more.
There seems to be a continued renaissance of bringing back childhood memories through movies, with Trolls coming out too, though I don't know if people really connected with Trolls in the same way they did with Barbie. I kind of feel like it is lazy movie making though, where the storylines aren't as clever as they used to be, and the character development not as deep. It is like they just assume that people are going to go and spend their money anyway, so they don't have to try as hard.
They assume correctly.
But, that is the life as a consumer of content, we are at the mercy of the makers of content and they will only deliver to the lowest standard to satisfy us, and maximize profits. Nothing more, no extra mile, minimum viable product.
I guess it is like our own "Best Day Ever" now - it is likely only just good enough.
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
