Barbie is a 2023 American fantasy comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, from a screenplay she wrote with Noah Baumbach. Based on the Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, it is the first live-action Barbie film after numerous computer-animated films and specials. The film stars Margot Robbie as Barbie and Ryan Gosling as Ken, and follows the pair on a journey of self-discovery following an existential crisis. It features a supporting cast that includes America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman, and Will Ferrell. It is entertaining, innocent fun, most of the time. Ryan Gosling steals the film though Margot Robbie is fantastic. It would be hard to picture anyone but her as Barbie in the future.
Plans are already around for a sequel which will hopefully feature more of ‘Ken’ (Gosling) Ferrell and Michael Cera that felt underused as Allan and of course, more of Robbie.
Have you seen Renfield?
Renfield is a 2023 American action comedy horror. Directed and produced by Chris McKay and written by Ryan Ridley from a story by Robert Kirkman. The film stars Nicholas Hoult, Awkwafina, Ben Schwartz, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Brandon Scott Jones, Adrian Martinez, and Nicolas Cage.
This is a film strictly for over 15s. Which is unfortunate. One can’t help but feel if they had gone for a PG 12 certificate the success of this film would have been greatly enhanced.
It shows great promise with excellent comedic turns for Hoult and Cage. Who would not want to see Dracula played by Nicolas cage? However, blood and gore does not always go well with comedies.
There is also a great dance scene which is excluded from the film which can be seen on YouTube. It shows a different kind of film potential. Would love to see a re-edited version.
Despite all that, it is entertaining and if you don’t mind the gore or can look away for a couple of moments every now and then, the performances are a treat. Worth catching at the cinema if it is still showing near you or more likely via a streaming service.
Thanks to WIKI for links.
