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Film reviews

Barbie Review

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“I haven’t been in a box in ages.” Those words are from Margot Robbie, who plays Barbie in the new movie of the same name. And it’s Barbie outside the box that makes Barbie full of color and grandeur.

Directed and written by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Noah Baumbach (Gerwig’s husband), Barbie is a unique experience in a world of pure happiness and perfection. But when a sign of turmoil comes around the corner, the positive world is challenged by some darkness. It never becomes that dark, though, because the directing and writing of Gerwig brings joy throughout this wonderful and unusual film.

Barbie is set in Barbie Land, a place where real life ceases to exist. It is a wonder world with many people named Barbie and Ken. The main Barbie and Ken are Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, two actors perfectly cast for these eccentric and uplifting characters. Helen Mirren is the narrator, and her narration starts the film off as if there is never sadness in Barbie Land. It is just happy, happy, happy all the time, and negativity is never mentioned. That is, until Barbie asks, “Do you guys ever think about dying?” From there, all bets are off. The turmoil of her curiosity takes Barbie Land into strange places, and to explore her true emotions Barbie must travel outside Barbie Land to the real world. Ken goes with her, and they enter a world that they know absolutely nothing about.

The interesting part of Barbie and Ken’s trip into the real world is their realization that there are now real-life consequences. And this realization is the source of many silly moments, unexpected situations, and fun topics that enliven the film. Barbie meets Gloria, played by America Ferrera, in the real world, and she turns out to be a trustworthy human who helps her realize what must be done to find truth in herself. The race is on as a crazy Mattel CEO (played by Will Ferrell) makes it his goal to get Barbie back as a marketing tool—by putting her in a box again. We also meet Allan, played by Michael Cera, a shy, introverted, and socially awkward guy. He’s one of many characters that will make for quirky times for audiences around the world. The colors of joy thrive in the film, and they help make Barbie a magic sensation.

Helen Mirren’s narration is also one of the features of Barbie that will really draw audiences in. Her humor comes through in unexpected moments, and the film finds its wonderful vibes in her twisted and poetic narration.

There’s no question that the many artistic moments in Barbie are because of Greta Gerwig’s direction. She also directed Lady Bird, and she knows how to bring characters together. I felt like some of the fragments dragged just a little, but overall Barbie is smart, fun, and definitely a wild ride. Three stars for Barbie.

Film reviews

Magic Mike’s Last Dance

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The concept of the Magic Mike films did not grab my attention when Magic Mike was released in 2012. However, Steven Soderbergh as the director was what caught my attention and caused me to give the first film a shot. Soderbergh did not direct the second film, Magic Mike XXL, in 2015 which was directed by Gregory Jacobs. In the third and final film, Soderbergh is back which is why Magic Mike’s Last Dance is quite fun and cheerful. Based on my experience, Magic Mike’s Last Dance is a decent conclusion, because this film has more meaning and does not rely solely on provocative repeats.

What I mean by “decent conclusion” refers to the approach Soderbergh took with the way the third film begins. In Magic Mike’s Last Dance, Channing Tatum is back as Mike Lane. It seems as if Mike is just doing gigs being a bartender at events and other side gigs to make ends meet. It seems as if the world of being a stripper has been dismissed from his lifestyle. This all changes when, through the grapevine a rich socialite becomes aware that Mike has experience as a dancer. This socialite is Maxandra Mendoza, played by Salma Hayek. Mike instantly grabs Maxandra’s attention, and she brings him into a project in London to put on a show. For Mike, this may be a chance to redeem himself, but also prove he is more than he thinks. When bigger things abound in Magic Mike’s Last Dance, viewers will come to understand my opinion that this film is a  “decent conclusion.”

There is more exploration into the depths of talent that lies within Mike. Maxandra sees that in him as well. Soderbergh’s directing of the connection between the two invigorates their mindset regarding success and talent. This time around, the art of dancing can be taken seriously. Admittedly, I had a hard time taking the dancing seriously in the first two films. With Soderbergh back as the director, he places more emphasis on the skills that Mike has honed over the years and is now using in the show he is working on with Maxandra. Magic Mike’s Last Dance channels the artistic value in Mike’s choreography and those he trains for the theatrical production. The film continues to build on elements more spectacular than just partying and stripping. The seriousness lacked in Magic Mike XXL, but it is regained with Soderbergh back as the director.

The film thrives on the theatricals of dancing and blending intimacy while Mike proves he can play an important role. This time around, he has so much more to offer than his sexy moves. What stands out in Magic Mike’s Last Dance is that Mike is taken seriously for a change. Of course, there are many intimate moments with Maxandra, but for once there is a person in his life to prove what he is worth. There is more interest and value in Mike’s character in this movie.  While it is a conclusion of many fond memories from the previous two films, the film builds for a big shot for Mike. In Tatum’s final time playing Mike, he regains his confidence and finally realizes that there is more to his art and his moves than to just get the ladies excited.

Linking back to my “decent conclusion” assessment, the film includes several theatrical concepts to fulfill its mission of being a monumental finale. It begins where the previous two films left off but doesn’t involve constant dancing and stripping. In Magic Mike’s Last Dance, the dance performances have a higher purpose, and no one could play the roles better than Tatum or Hayek. Magic Mike’s Last Dance is a fun finale even though it’s still a bit cheesy in parts. Three stars for Magic Mike’s Last Dance.