Big Hitters Disagree On Barbie

As the firestorm of criticism surrounding the “Barbie” movie continues, notable voices such as Mark Ronson, Bill Maher, and Joe Rogan have offered their takes, while Ben Shapiro’s now infamous 43-minute review dissecting the film has legs as long as Margot Robbie.

1 Vacation

2 Shop

3 Amazon

Maher, known for his outspoken views, decried the movie as a “Zombie Lie,” highlighting its deviation from the real-world composition of the Mattel board. He asserted that film is “man-hating” and “preachy” and defended his stance by citing the gender diversity on actual corporate boards.

Ronson, the music producer behind “Barbie,” responded to Maher’s criticism, emphasizing the film’s satirical fantasy nature. He emphasized the importance of enjoying the movie’s comedic elements rather than hyper-focusing on its portrayal of gender dynamics (you know, the central theme of the movie).

Not one to be left out of the cultural debate, on Tuesday’s podcast, Joe Rogan expressed bewilderment at the political backlash, labeling “Barbie” a lighthearted comedy about dolls coming to life. He questioned the intensity of outrage surrounding the film’s perceived progressive undertones and emphasized its nature as a whimsical creation meant for entertainment.

However, Ben Shapiro, in his characteristic forthright style, tore into “Barbie” with an extensive review published by the Daily Wire and in a YouTube video with (as of the time of this article) 2.6 million views. Shapiro unequivocally criticized the film, asserting it was “one of the worst movies” he’d ever seen, likening it to a dumpster fire of cinematic failure. Although, he acknowledged some positive aspects, particularly the production design while lambasting its lack of humor and disjointed plot.

Shapiro dissected the movie’s apparent mixed messaging and questioned its treatment of Barbie, suggesting that the creators seemed to despise the iconic doll. He delved into its political message, claiming it deliberately aimed to divide men and women, ultimately undermining core values and alienating audiences. Shapiro’s conclusion was scathing, granting the film a rating of “negative infinity Barbies” and condemning it as a chaotic mess on multiple fronts.

See what our own James Carrick thought of the divisive billion-dollar juggernaut.