Director Greta Gerwig's film "Barbie," based on titular the Mattel doll (Margot Robbie), is an overstimulating riot of eye-popping, neon-colored costumes and sets. The world-building is simply fabulous, with imaginative designs that incorporate many of the doll's accessories, dream houses, and more.
But why is a film called "Barbie" somehow all about Ken (Ryan Gosling)? For a story about female empowerment, it is vexing that Ken's neediness, loneliness and identity crisis hijack the plot for long stretches and force Barbie to help him, not the reverse. It feels disrespectful that she is so subservient because the film emphasizes the message that Barbie the doll inspired legions of women to go, be and do whatever they wanted — because "anything is possible." "Barbie" states its message often, but at times, it feels more mechanical, like a doll talking, than motivational.
