Barbie: I have finally had the opportunity to see this summer hit. What I can say is that these male based podcasters who have been offended, annoyed and amazed at the negativity towards men from this parady is quite surprising. First things first, this is a parody. It is not reality, but it reveals a great deal about our own current real world. It shows an artifical Barbie World, that runs parallel to the current world as we know it. Margot Robbie plays Barbie. Ryan Gosling plays Ken. All the male in Barbieland are named Ken. The Barbies similarly are all named Barbie, and for those who played with Barbie they will recognize some familiar characters. I did not, and so I was surprised at some of them like a Barbie in a Wheelchair (actually named “Share a Smile Becky”) and Alan, and then a “curvy” Barbie back in 2016.
So, the basic plot is less important than the commentary it makes on our current world. In short, Barbie has some very real world questions for herself, and feeling real world emotions like sadness and wondering about death. In Barbieland, this poses some challenges where every day is excellent, and is filled with women-empowered moments. Ken is an after-thought. An accessory. Ken only has a great day if Barbie looks at him. Ken has ongoing battles with other Kens. So Barbie ends up going into the real world to find her human connection. It’s hard to explain, but just go with it. Other characters get involved from the real world. Ken accompanies Barbie unexpectedly to the real world and sees how men are treated differently than in Barbieland. He returns with a new purpose. Things happen. Things change and have to be addressed by Barbie and other characters.
There are some laughs. I laughed out loud more than a couple of times, mostly at the silliness but the truth in some of the observations. Kate MacKinnon was very funny as Weird Barbie. Ryan Gosling has some really good comedic moments. It is an over-the-top performance. His laugh reminded me of Jeff Spicolli. With some affirmation from a visit to the real world, which we all know focuses on men, it brings about some new ideas for him. As the “enlightened man” among the other Kens he takes charge. I found the middle of the film losing some momentum, as there were more musical numbers than expected. The point had been made, at the time, and didn’t need to be repeated. There is some preaching as it ends with an ending that certainly leaves open the possibility for more. The reference to other films were at times really funny. Given the success at the box office, I would expect a sequel. I shudder to think where they would go with it. On its own, I had some laughs and enjoyed this. It is a good parady making some really poignant observations about our society. Worth watching.
Farming for Love: This is a CTV series (remarkable that since so few things from “regular” cable these days). In truth this series came to my attention from speaking with colleagues at work. Set in BC, there are five farmers (two women and three men) in ages ranging from mid 20s until early 30s. Each of these farmers seeks to find love, and are given the opportunity the date a number of eligible future partners.
Each of the farmers brings their own situations, both good and bad as them embark upon meeting and dating others. After a preliminary meet and greet, a number of the daters are brought back to their respective farms and put to work. The farming runs from dairy farm, winery, sheep, and a public facing strawberry farm. Very different. It is five separate Bachelor and Bachelorette seasons going simultaneously. The people are engaging generally, and as a reality dating show they cover off all the basis. There is intrigue and surprises. Twists and turns. Some are more satisfying that others. This is obviously sponsored by Can-Am ATVs, with t-shirts and other products on display. In the end it held by attention as a guilty pleasure. If you like this sort of thing then you won’t be disappointed.
Mondays With Robbie 