Explaining the Barbenheimer Phenomenon (Barbie and Oppenheimer reviews)

Cinema is finally returning to its truest form after the pandemic.  Studios are attempting a return to regular releases weekly, thanks to two films. Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures released two of the year's biggest blockbusters, Barbie and Oppenheimer on the same day. Both films were released at a time when theaters were hurting. Audiences were not returning to theaters, because the product was hard to come by.  Thankfully the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon helped reignite the love for the silver screen!


Oppenheimer: Mini-Review


Christopher Nolan is beloved by cinephiles all over the world.  His latest film Oppenheimer is a rousing, complex, and superbly acted historical epic. The story follows the American Scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer (Cillian Murphy) and his role in the atomic bomb development.  That premise may not sound interesting to those who do not already know the history.  The problem with Oppenheimer resides in the first half’s thoroughly scientific dialogue. In these moments, the film is simply hard to follow but the performances will keep you engaged.

Murphy delivers a spectacular turn as the tortured genius. His eyes convey so much pain that you can easily feel through every scene. It’s a performance that grows on you, especially in the film's second half. Robert Downey Jr. delivers another spellbinding turn as politician Lewis Strauss.  The characters shifting alligences allow Downey Jr. to deliver a performance that keeps you guessing, and break away from the "Tony Stark" reputation. It is work from both actors that are surely worthy of Oscar nominations for the 2024 Academy Awards.  With a cast this versatile, other actors get moments to shine in supporting turns. 

The supporting cast is so well-rounded that some actors feel underutilized. Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and Florence Pugh deliver solid work but wisely stay out of Murphy’s way. Some will wish that they had more to do, but each actor manages to leave an impression. Certain narratively dry moments slow down the pacing, but Oppenheimer is still an overall rousing film. It has moments of pure terror, with performances that are perfect conduits into this complex world. See it on the biggest and best screen possible, and you will be reminded of the true theatrical experience.

Barbie: Mini-Review



Barbie was one of the biggest “question marks” in 2023’s cinema season.  Director Greta Gerwig has made a much deeper film than anyone would expect.  The story of Barbie follows a "stereotypical Barbie (Margot Robbie) and her fellow Barbies that live in Barbieland.  Along with the Kens (Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu to name a few), Stereotypical Barbie begins to question her purpose.  This leads her and Ken (Gosling) on an adventure to find her true calling in the human world.

Gerwig’s film is undoubtedly an empowering piece of feminism and gender roles. That is certainly going to anger some, but they are missing the bigger picture. Barbie is a film that will force you to ask, “What is my purpose?” This important question makes for a film that is one-of-a-kind. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling deliver two of the year's most funny and heartfelt performances. This Barbie and (especially) Ken’s naivety makes for some hilarious misadventures. Even more archetypal roles from America Ferrera and Ariana Greenblatt get moments to shine. In a world of plastic, the heart of the story manages to brightly shine through. 

   Barbie is the biggest surprise I have had in a theater so far this year.  The film is heartfelt and hilarious while dealing with deeply profound concepts of purpose. It wears its heart on its sleeve, with a cast that is ready to take viewers on a ride.  Performances this engaging help the social commentary go down with ease. This is a winning combination that makes for one of the year’s best films. Greta Gerwig is now 3-3 in directing truly entertaining, thought-provoking, and very funny films.

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