Why people gravitated to the movies to watch the esteemed movie, “Barbie.”

By Maria Zaldivar

One of the year's most anticipated films, 'Barbie,' has raked in more than a billion dollars worldwide, as reported by CNN.com. In fact, Barbie is now Warner Bros.’ highest-grossing global release ever. Fans everywhere are participating in the Barbie fandom, going so far as to dress up as the iconic doll. Buzz surrounding the film was only natural and expected, but the marketing team's brilliance significantly contributed to its success.

“Barbie," the doll, originally launched in March of 1959, has been a cultural icon for decades, according to history.com. Her full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. Throughout her remarkable journey, Barbie has embraced over 250 careers.

It seems that most girls have grown up enjoying Barbie dolls. According to a 2009 Forbes.com article, 90% of American girls aged three to 10 own at least one Barbie. Even some of my fondest childhood memories involve playing with this iconic doll.

Chaffey College student, Monica Trinidad, when asked if the character holds any meaning for her personally, as she grew up exclusively playing with Barbie dolls, stated, “Barbie is just that girl, she can be whatever you want her to be,” which motivated her to tune into the movie.

Set in a "Barbie-topia," the film presents a matriarchal wonderland. The movie's opening scene pays homage to the film, "Planet of the Apes," positioning Barbie as a physical embodiment of cultural transformation. By addressing the historical limitation of girls' play to caring for dolls that reinforce traditional gender roles, the movie strongly resonates with audiences who advocate for expanded opportunities for girls.

Thanks to its inclusive and diverse cast, the film provides an accurate representation of the world around us. It deftly tackles societal expectations placed upon both men and women in a humorous and entertaining manner.

At the core of the film lies the message that perfection is an unattainable illusion. Barbie, symbolizing unrealistic beauty standards for generations, confronts her own inability to meet societal expectations. This deeply resonated with viewers who have experienced the pressure to conform to unreachable ideals.

Gloria’s character, played by America Ferrera, gives a speech that holds the utmost importance in the film. Her words echoed the suffocating and contradictory standards women often face. The demands of conforming to these standards can hinder the enjoyment of life, fostering insecurities and preventing one from fully living in the moment.

The film's memorable lines and comedic moments contribute to its quotable nature. This lighthearted approach makes the movie relatable and enjoyable for a wide range of audiences, from entire families to individual adults seeking a cheerful escape from the mundane daily tasks.

Overall, the film encourages audiences to embrace the imperfections that define our humanity. Undoubtedly, the Barbie movie has etched its mark on pop culture for years to come.

The Barbie Movie Phenomenon