Yes, go watch it, it’s fun

I don’t have time for a full write-up (maybe I will later today) but here are my quick thoughts

• It is entertaining and visually stunning, which I think is the primary objective. They really nailed the aesthetic and a lot of the choices were perfect for the universe and worldbuilding, while I think doing a good job representing the “essence” of Barbie as a cultural phenomenon
• I really enjoyed watching Ryan Gosling, he was the highlight IMO, there will be memes
• Excellent acting, writing, dialogue, and pacing
• Some really rewarding scenes like a particular dance sequence later in the movie
• A lot of blatant product placement for brands aside from Mattel
• Decent comedy. Most jokes land, some don’t
• The film does try to be deeper and to foray into feminism and gender discussion. It does brush against some genuine questions but IMO holds back, it never truly considers gender as such, only feminist struggle presupposing gender as a natural and good thing.
• Following the previous point, it’s an okay mainstream exploration of gender, but limited by lib politics despite some edgy quasi-leftist throwaway lines.

Summary: Worth the watch for entertainment value and pop culture. Not the deepest or most intellectual movie ever (although it sort of wants to be) but not abhorrent in that regard either. Watch it for what it is, but don’t expect more.