I think a film has value if it entertains and/or educates.

Barbie entertains with its bright and colorful sets,and its very humorous tongue-in-cheek jibes at patriachy and consumerism.

It educates by colorfully and humorously depicting the dangers and folly of stereotyping and consumerist attitudes.

To me, the above gives the film only mediocre value to the viewer because they are not accompanied by a strong plot.

In other words, society is filled with many and various alternative films with exciting plots and the educational messaging, so why would a viewer bother with this plot-deficient film?

Yes, Iknow the film's box office is huge (viewers did bother to see it), which prompts me to think that its reported $150m marketing spend was very effective. Thats what I call consumerism++.

Special mention to Ryan Gosling - he's a natural in this film; he played the part very well.