Barbie Movie
Barbie: The most watched movie of 2023
Written by McKenzie White
9/22/23
The Barbie movie has been one of the most watched as well as controversial movies released in decades. It was released on July 21st, 2023 and according to Time Magazine, within the first week of its release, the box office tripled its gross value at $162 million.
It makes sense that so many people would rush to theaters to see this blockbuster film, based on the support and love for the iconic Barbie Dolls. Kids have played with Barbies since 1959 when the first doll was released. Since then, billions of dolls, 43 movies, as well as 3 tv series have been produced.
The American toy company, Mattel, brought Ruth Handler’s vision of the first Barbie doll to life. In 1959, Handler was inspired to make the doll by her daughter Barbra. As her daughter grew, she watched her play with paper dolls and realized that the toy market had little for girls to aspire to.
As years went on, Barbie picked up more and more support. Since the original doll, Barbie has obtained many jobs and became a role model for young girls. She became a trademark that girls used and aspired to be. Barbie made it possible to dream big in a world that made that difficult.
Although Barbie is highly popular, the modern day, live action film has been seen to be controversial. Some love the movie and find it to be a great comedic and sentimental film for not only young, but girls of all ages, while others find it to be inappropriate and indelicate.
We heard from a number of Liverpool High School Students who have seen the movie and the overall opinions were positive. “I saw the movie and loved it,” said one senior. “It reminded me of my childhood and made me feel empowered as a woman.” Another sophomore stated, “I have not seen the movie yet but plan to because it reminds me of being a kid again.” It was shown that more girls saw the movie than guys and there was a nostalgic draw toward seeing the movie. There were a few comments that the movie was too long and seemed to drag, but in all it was an honorable take on a favorite childhood toy.