This is a very attractive film. The first half is quite stunning and good, but it falls apart in the second half burdened by political correctness and social preaching. It simply becomes a self-serving bore. And what is it with all the award nominations ? No doubt the ones for production design and costumes are justified. Ryan Gosling and America Ferrara are good, but Oscar nominations, really ?

The Academy overlooked some terrific supporting performances in 2023 that far surpassed Gosling and Ferrara (for example, Rachel McAdams or Kathy Bates in "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret" or Dominic Sessa in "The Holdovers"). And what's with the nomination of "I'm Just Ken" for Best Song ? Really ? Will anyone be singing it 10 years from now - or even 2 ?

The only Oscar nomination for acting that this film deserved was Margot Robbie for her performance as Barbie, and the Academy ignored it. Such a shame, because she was spot on and carried this film from beginning to end with sincerity, emotion, and spirit. Robbie understood her character, as written, and played it to perfection. Mention should also be made that her scenes with Rhea Perlman, as Ruth, the creator of Barbie, were outstanding. Perlman is excellent and demonstrates just how good she can be when she is given a role that taps her wonderful talents. Finally, the ending is just ridiculous and unbelievable - leaving it wide open for a sequel, but, see if you really care to sit through another Barbie movie by these writers.