Glowing reviews: A local’s look at Barbie

On Wednesday, July 20, she was one of the lucky audience members of the advance screening.

She said that the film was so popular that the line was out the door.

“I think the last time I saw the cinema in Shepparton that chockers was when Avengers: Endgame came out,” she said.

Although the film was full of shades of pink, glittery costumes and banging music, Ms Warburton acknowledged the feminist themes throughout.

“I think it raises questions about what it is to be a woman in the modern world and how you can be the smartest, most beautiful and successful woman and still not be ‘enough’,” she said.

“It also asks of men, the ‘Kens’, what the true values of masculinity are and the role it plays in power structures.”

She recommended the movie to anyone who enjoys humour, especially satire, flamboyant costuming and sets as well as “perfect” casting.

“A movie about a plastic doll had no right to be this good — but I think it’s my movie of 2023.”

Jenna Bishop has lived in Shepparton for the past 10 years and works as a communications manager.

She went to Barbie because of its casting and “clever marketing” she said.

“It was shaping up to be such a cultural phenomenon,” Ms Bishop said.

“I was really interested in the angle of the movie and how they would translate a beloved and, at times, controversial, toy into a cinematic premise.”

Ms Bishop highly rated the film’s experience and especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the preview screening.

“It was amazing, we had tickets to the preview screening booked weeks in advance and seeing it before it officially released was extra special.

“There were people there of all generations and it showed how she’s (Barbie) transcended beyond her origin and evolved to reflect modern society.”

Ms Bishop commended the film on its approach to the complexities of the feminism but also addressing controversies head on.

“I thought it hit all the right notes in describing the feminine experience, especially in the complexities of modern society,“ she said.

After seeing the film on Wednesday, Ms Bishop recommended it to anyone who enjoys humour, commentary and nostalgia all in one.

“I think it tackles some big questions about the human experience in a way that is accessible and yet entertaining, with a few tongue-in-cheek moments in its commentary on society,” she said.

“I loved it and can’t wait to see it again.”