Barbie, the movie, is a sparkling spectacle of absurd hilarity and visual rapture. Each film frame is packed with exquisite detail and attention to set craftsmanship, costume design, choreography, gestures and diction. The first part of the film is delightful - saturated with laugh out loud jokes, over-the-top musical numbers, rich narrative, amusing cameos, and inspired film references. The second part of the film is more serious - with Barbie facing issues of personal identity, depression, self-love, and sexual harassment on her journey from colorful utopian matriarchy into the scary world of oppressive patriarchy. But before the audience begins to feel pressure from all the female issues, Gerwig skillfully recalibrates mid-film drama with the ultimate power move of Ken stepping into the real world. Suddenly, Ken is seen, heard, respected, and brimming with hope for a future where he can make a difference. Gerwig's decision to showcase the complexities of Ken's existential journey (along with that of other Kens) gives us a glimpse into what women experience in the real world. Yet, the film never makes any definitive statement. The story flows without imposing any rigid agenda, but leaves no one indifferent to its musical and comedic sequences. Gosling outright swipes the spotlight from the entire cast with his unforgettable "I'm Just Ken" number. His "Kenergy" is unbeatable! He was destined to be Ken, just as Robbie was destined to embody Barbie. The rest of the cast also flawlessly portrays countless versions of Barbie and Ken dolls. Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir embraced the silliness of the film and had me in stitches on the Kens' side. DP Rodrigo Prieto's cinematography is remarkable - he seamlessly differentiates the two worlds using the "face-front" angle in Barbieland, avoiding shaky moves. It's like he's saying, "Smooth sailing in doll land!" while the real world gets dynamic camera work of "Hold on tight, things are getting real!" In sum, the film is a visual feast! I can see the awards for production, costumes, makeup, best actor and best director. Gerwig continues to be one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. As always, she tackles heavy topics unapologetically, but this time she does it while making us laugh. "Barbie" is an amusing ride you don't want to miss! I recommend seeing it in a packed theater.