Safety check: Is the ‘Barbie’ movie for kids?

You may have heard about this little film called ‘Barbie'. It’s a bona fide blockbuster about the beloved kids, tweens, and teens’ toy, but is it the right pick for your child's next movie night? Let's dive in and find out together.

What is the official rating?

The new ‘Barbie’ movie has been given a PG-13 rating due to some suggestive references and brief language used throughout the film. This means it might not be suitable for kids under the age of 13 without parental guidance. While ‘Barbie’ might traditionally be associated with younger audiences, this movie seems to be aimed at a slightly older crowd. When possible, it's always a good idea to watch it yourself first, just to make sure it aligns with your family's values. You know your child best after all.

What themes does the movie cover?

The new ‘Barbie’ movie is not your typical toy adventure. It's packed with a variety of themes that might surprise you.

The meaning of life

For starters, it delves into existentialism. Barbie has an existential crisis and struggles with the purpose of life, especially as a woman living in a patriarchal society.

Self-esteem

The movie also addresses equality and how Barbie impacts young girls' self-esteem. It's also about Ken seeing himself as more than just an object to enable Barbie. There's even a hint of political messaging in the mix.

Self-awareness and inclusivity

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Interestingly, the movie also explores mother-daughter relationships, emotional expression, gender norms, embracing change, personal growth, and self-acceptance. It's all about inclusivity and understanding one's self.

Patriarchy and objectification

Let's not forget the movie's main villain - the patriarchal society that’s traditionally held Barbie and all the people she represents down. The movie explores how Barbie is technically a fantasy and an object of desire, often for young girls to aspire toward. It also addresses the concept of toxic masculinity. For example, in Ken's song "I'm Just Ken," he causes trouble in Barbie Land out of frustration over being treated as a trophy and the pressure to be masculine.

Mental health

And lastly, the film doesn't shy away from discussing mental health. Barbie's emotional spectrum truly opens up after she enters the real world, crossing paths with some rather unpleasant Kens from the real world.

Quite a lot to unpack, right? But that's what makes the new ‘Barbie’ movie so interesting. Yes, there’s plenty about fashion and fun, but it’s also about exploring deep and meaningful human themes.

What might be concerning?

The film is rated PG-13, which means that some of the content might be inappropriate for kids under 13. There are some complex themes like existentialism, gender norms, and mental health, which might be a bit heavy for younger kids to grasp.

Another concern is how the movie portrays Barbie's emotional spectrum as she enters the real world. Some parents may feel this could be confusing or distressing to kids who are really into Barbie's traditionally bubbly and cheerful image.

However, not all the feedback from parents has been negative. Many believe that the film is a safe bet for kids aged 11 and above, who may appreciate the clever, colorful comedy and more sophisticated themes. The movie also touches on important topics like puberty, religion, and family issues that could spark meaningful conversations between parents and their kids.

So, while there might be some concerns, it's clear that the new ‘Barbie’ movie has a lot to offer. It's all about knowing your child and deciding if they're ready for this kind of content. And hey, watching it together could be a great bonding experience, right?

What about diversity and representation?

The new ‘Barbie’ movie is a celebration of diversity. The film brings together characters from different races, ethnicities, backgrounds, and life experiences. 

It’s also got a great cast, including Issa Rae voicing 'President Barbie' and Ritu Arya as 'Reporter Barbie.’ 

The movie also addresses body diversity. While there's been some debate about the representation of plus-size men, it's clear that the filmmakers are trying to make Barbie more inclusive.

The director, Greta Gerwig, has spoken about making a conscious effort to reflect more diversity and inclusivity to better reflect society. And Mattel's global head of diversity, equity and inclusion, Mason Williams, sees 'Barbie' as not just a next step, but the embodiment of the company's goals.

Does the movie promote positive values?

The new ‘Barbie’ movie does overall promote positive values. Along with Barbie's adventures, it encourages kids and audiences to embrace kindness, compassion, and empathy in their daily lives. The movie emphasizes the significance of fostering a sense of belonging, representation, and value.

The film might also serve as a catalyst for conversations about equality for women and all marginalized groups and as a jumping-off point for awareness about where our society is and where we may want it to go. It can also spark important conversations about body image and societal expectations. 

Is the ‘Barbie’ movie a good choice for kids?

Ultimately, whether ‘Barbie’ is suitable for your child depends on their individual age, maturity level, and interests. But it’s largely a positive, fun movie that can spur opportunities for family discussions and exploring important themes. If you’re unsure, you can always preview it first before watching it with your child or deciding if it's the right fit for your family.

FAQ about the ‘Barbie’ movie

Here are some of the questions many people are asking about the most recent ‘Barbie’ movie:

Q: Can you tell me what's happening in the latest Barbie movie?

A: In this film, our beloved Barbie goes on an epic journey of self-discovery. She navigates both her native Barbie Land and, for the first time, the real world.

Q: Who are the big stars in the ‘Barbie’ movie?

A: Actress Margot Robbie brings Barbie to life and Ryan Gosling steps into the shoes of Ken. But there are many, many other big stars in the movie, too. 

Q: Who's the genius behind the camera for this one?

A: The film is directed by none other than Greta Gerwig. She also co-wrote the script with her partner, filmmaker Noah Baumbach. 

Q: Where can I catch the ‘Barbie’ movie?

A: The Max streaming service offers the movie ‘Barbie’ for its subscribers, or you can rent it for a fee from other VOD providers.

Q: What kind of themes does the ‘Barbie’ movie explore?

A: This isn't just your typical Barbie adventure. It takes a deep dive into issues like capitalism and cultural hegemony, offering a pretty hard-hitting critique.

Q: What happens to Barbie in this movie?

A: Among other things, Barbie gets kicked out of Barbie Land and has to figure out how to get by in the real world.

Q: How long is the movie?

A: ‘Barbie’ has an official runtime of 114 minutes. 

Q: How has the movie been received by critics?

A: Overall, it’s been received well by critics and audiences alike, though it has also sparked much debate. In fact, it was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. 

The 2023 ‘Barbie’ movie seems like a pretty good choice for families and kids if you’re OK with the PG-13 content. It's entertaining, thought-provoking, and chock-full of positive messages. But again, due to that rating, some parents may want to preview the film before watching it with kids under 13 to ensure it aligns with their sensitivities and your family values.