As I have a strong antipathy toward films based on toys and video games, I wasn't sure I'd see BARBIE. However, I had a free evening and, I'll admit, all the hoopla made me curious. So I kicked off my vacation with a visit to my local theater.

I thought about 80% of BARBIE was very well done. Among its strong points:

Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, each of whom turned in a dazzling performance;


Rhea Perlman, Kate McKinnon, and Will Ferrell were also very good, along with Helen Mirren as the sardonic narrator;










Here's what I could have done without:





I can see BARBIE garnering several Oscar nominations (if not always wins). Among them:



Finally: if I've ever come across to women like the Kens did after they took over Barbieland, I'm deeply embarrassed and oh, so sorry!