Delightful playfulness and fourth wall breaking-ness (of a sort?), this movie successfully celebrates a major toy franchise while also self-consciously criticizing its significant cultural problems. A difficult feat to pull off, but its critiques of Barbie and the dolls' impact on girls' body image and related (and cascading) harms are made without holding any punches. Between that and the clever comedy, there is a lot to love in this film.
What it doesn't pull off is going beyond a "feminism…
A movie whose sole purpose can be chalked up to fan service, in a franchise whose entire existence is thanks to fan enthusiasm, filled to the brim with gags and comments that become more rewarding the more deeply invested in the fandom you are, yet remains accessibly hilarious even for those who are not. Don't expect subtle or meaningful thematic messages or emotional beats, just turn off your brain and enjoy the romp and ridiculousness.
A breath of fresh air … is what you’ll want to get after this breathtakingly beautiful film.
Annihilation takes a more cerebral and imaginative approach to science fiction storytelling, playing with interesting themes of mortality and our own humanity. It asks some great questions, poses some interesting thoughts, and presents it all on a platter of stunning visuals and captivating performances of its cast.
