For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7
From tea parties with my old dolls to watching the latest Barbie movie with my kids, it’s fascinating to see how far the iconic figure has come. While the Barbie Movie boasts a rating of PG-13, my mom intuition guided me to give it a rating of PP (Parent Pick). Here’s why.
Language Alert 🔊” Strong” The PG-13 rating for this movie certainly holds its weight, and while suggestive references and occasional language earned it this rating, our PP (Parent Pick) was influenced by the mature nature of some lines. Take, for instance, comments made by the Kens like, “I’m gonna beach you off!”, “Let’s beach off”, or “I’ll beach both of you at the same time!” And, within the realm of Barbie’s imaginative world, a Barbie cheekily remarks about Ken, “I wonder what sort of nude blob he’s hiding under those jeans.” During the credits, a song by Nicki Minaj plays and most profanity is muted, except for the b-word, which is said more than once in the song.
Objectification takes center stage often. As Barbie steps out on her journey of self-discovery, she encounters a vastly different reality. She’s taken aback, for example, when a man quips, “I can see myself in your shorts”, leading her to candidly reply, “I don’t have genitals.” Yet, she’s still subject to an unwelcome slap on her backside. Such language and scenarios are scattered throughout, making it a point of consideration for parents.
Romantic Themes ❤️ “Mature” While the movie doesn’t wade into the deep waters of romantic relationships, it certainly skims the surface. Ken’s affection for Barbie is palpable, often attempting to share a tender kiss with her. There’s one moment when Ken suggests to Barbie, “I thought I might stay over tonight since we’re boyfriend and girlfriend.” To us parents, the underlying message is clear, but it’s up to you to gauge whether it’s a topic you’d want to broach with your little ones.
Substance Use 🍺: Yes, Barbie’s friends indulge occasionally.
Action Sequences ⚔️: More playful drama than real harm.
Mom’s Vibes:
This isn’t the classic Barbie fairy tale. As a mother, I couldn’t help but be glued to the screen, reliving my childhood while appreciating the clever nuances designed for adults. From the familiar nostalgia of toy houses to Barbie’s transition from her world to ours, I recommend having your favorite comfort snacks handy – this journey of self-discovery is engaging!
Movie Sneak Peek:
In this tale, Barbie is more than just a toy; she’s a symbol. A symbol of societal standards of beauty, of evolving gender roles, and of individuality. At the heart of the story, Barbie and Ken grapple with identity and purpose, making us question our own understanding of perfection and self-worth.
Mom’s Thoughts:
Barbie’s world, with its idyllic perfection, hits close to home. As mothers, we often strive for that unattainable perfection, juggling family, work, and self-care. The movie cleverly delves into the facade of perfection, making me chuckle and introspect.
The movie also doesn’t shy away from addressing patriarchy and feminism, often through humor. This prompted some interesting discussions with my older kids about how society views gender roles.
Things to Chat About with Your Kiddos:
- There’s moderate pretend-violence. Think playful Barbie drama but always remind them of the line between make-believe and reality.
- Language Alert: While the jokes got me chuckling, some phrases might fly over younger kids’ heads, but older ones might ask questions.
- Navigating crushes and young love is subtly portrayed, giving an opening for us parents to discuss relationships with our teens.
My Personal Take:
For me, the movie’s message was clear: Embrace imperfections. And as a mom, it was reassuring. While some jokes were undeniably for us grown-ups, they were balanced out by the heartwarming moments and lessons on self-acceptance.
Your Turn, Moms and Dads:
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you watch the Barbie Movie with your kids? What did you think? Any favorite moments or conversations it sparked?
Final Mom Words:
All in all, while the Barbie Movie offers an amusing and at times thought-provoking watch for us parents, always go with your gut feeling about what’s right for your family. It might be a good pick for older kids, but for the younger ones, maybe wait a few years. Either way, it’s always great to have these tools to initiate meaningful conversations with our children.
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