By Margaret Rose Tipton Siytangco

Have you heard of Barbie? You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who has not been touched by Barbie. Whether you’re a man or woman, all of us have mothers and somehow, or in some way, Barbie had either been a beloved toy or had been affected by someone who had Barbie. With the powerhouse that is Mattel behind the iconic doll, Barbie has reached us all. Barbie was just this blonde idealistic perfection of a doll which had every girl and woman wanting her fashion and accessories, while men looked for her physical attributes and used them as basis for an ideal woman. Barbie was a “want” for everyone. Then as “wants” and “needs” of society changed, Mattel changed Barbie along with it. They diversified and amassed different dolls that made more and more women feel represented. But it all boils down to the pretty, classic, blonde Barbie. Was it too late to change her? Could there be anything more to her than stereotype? This movie is Barbie’s story and battle cry of “Yes, there is.” Margot Robbie, who plays the eponymous Barbie and Greta Gerwig, Director and Screenwriter of the movie, both worked flawlessly to bring us this fun but impactful tale. The movie itself is pure eye candy, served in the most diversified manner. And somehow, though I normally object to Hollywood’s current down-your-throat style of inclusivity and femme power, this movie didn’t make me feel like I was choking. And it’s not just for the women. Ryan Gosling, as Ken, did such an amazing job that people are saying he should get an Oscar award! True enough, he delivered so much “Kenergy”, that even a simple lift of an eyebrow or purse of a lip delivered such impact. I myself wonder why the movie was entitle Barbie, when it should’ve been Barbie and Ken. Will Farrell, Simu Liu and Kate McKinnon are just some of star-studded cast members with America Ferrera delivering the biggest truth and reality bomb. Her moment alone, may be, the heart of it all. This movie is such a fun Easter egg cast hunt. (See if you can find Lady Whistledown). Definitely, there is something in this movie for everyone. From the young to the…young at heart, whatever and however you identify, there’s something about this movie that will make you feel heard. Of course, the stereotypical Barbie gets center stage as she is the OG. But nonetheless, it’ll hit you. There is Barbie in all of us. Correction: There is a Ken and Barbie in all of us. Margot Robbie says it best: If you love Barbie, you're going to love it, if you hate Barbie, you're going to love it, but if you just love a good movie you're going to love it.