Barbie virtually re-brands reality

And Ken goes along for the ride. Hitherto non-living legend Barbie comes to life in what looks like being a major summer blockbuster this year - a Greta Gerwig movie named after the 60-something doll. It's crammed with top talent, including the iconic Helen Mirren and comedy king Will Ferrell. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling star as dolls-come-to-life Barbie and Ken. What do you think of the official trailer, which cleverly tells us that whether we love Barbie or hate her, "this movie is for you". If that's not casting the net wide enough, what is? Barbie has proved a controversial figure over the years since her birth in March, 1959, largely due to a body type which became associated with objectification of women. However, the first doll to emulate grown-up women, rather than a helpless little figure needing care, continues to evolve and not just keep up with the times but enjoy raging success: It's estimated that 100 Barbie dolls - now available in a range of appearances - is sold every minute across the world. This trailer seems to indicate that the movie has some aces up its sleeve in terms of keeping up with the times too as virtual and traditional reality clash in a rose-tinted world of firm fun. It had racked up 24+ million views on YouTube at time of writing, just five days after its release. "To live in Barbie Land is to be a perfect being in a perfect place," explains the trailer blurb. "Unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken." Male doll Ken was actually created a couple of years after Barbie, in 1961. Both dolls are named after the children of American businesswoman Ruth Handler - credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild Lilli as her inspiration - and her husband Kenneth, a co-founder of the toy company Mattel.

Keywords: Barbie movie trailer 2023, Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, virtual reality, children's toys, Greta Gerwig, Mattel, comedy movies 2023, Warner Bros Pictures