Barbie's Movie Mania: Going Viral! All You Need to Know

Are you ready for the long-awaited Barbie movie, hitting theaters on July 21, 2023? Beyond being an iconic doll, Barbie has become a social media sensation, leaving a lasting impact on fashion and inspiring the hottest trend of the summer - Barbiecore. 

Let's dive into this trendy topic while also honing our English language skills.

The Iconic Doll: A Brief History

Barbie, whose full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts, made her debut on March 9, 1959, courtesy of a southern California toy company. Ruth Handler, the co-founder of Mattel, drew inspiration from her daughter Barbara's love for paper dolls. Barbie's appearance was influenced by the German Bild Lilli doll, a humorous gift for men based on a cartoon character. The first-ever Barbie was dressed in a stylish black and white striped swimsuit, flaunting her signature blonde ponytail and an hourglass figure.

The Amazing Evolution

Since her debut, Barbie has undergone remarkable transformations, embracing inclusivity and diversity. In 2016, Mattel's #TheDollEvolves campaign gave her a modern makeover, introducing diverse body types like curvy, petite, and tall, along with various skin tones and hairstyles. Today, Barbie stands for much more than the traditional blonde, perfect-bodied image. She has also embodied over 200 inspiring careers, ranging from an astronaut to a robotics engineer.

Barbie’s Family and Friends

Over the years, Barbie's entourage grew to include Ken, her boyfriend, in 1961, and best friend Midge in 1963, along with her younger sister Skipper in 1964. The introduction of "friend" dolls of color in 1968 led to the grand debut of an African American Barbie incarnation in 1980.

Top 10 Facts about Barbie

As you anticipate the Barbie movie, here are ten fascinating facts about this iconic doll that have inspired the exciting film:

Barbara Millicent Roberts is the doll's full name.

Ruth Handler named Barbie and Ken after her children, Barbara and Ken.

Barbie's official birthday is March 9, 1959.

When Barbie first hit the market, she was priced at just $3, making her accessible and popular.

The best-selling Barbie doll of all time is the 1992 Totally Hair™ Barbie, with floor-length locks.

If Barbie were a real person, her proportions would be extremely unrealistic, with a height of 5'9", a bust size of 39 inches, a waist circumference of 18 inches, and shoe size of 3.

Barbie traveled to space in 1965, four years before humans landed on the moon.

As of 2023, a total of 43 movies have been made inspired by Barbie. The first, "Barbie in the Nutcracker," released in 2001, while the latest "Barbie," directed by Greta Gerwig and featuring stars like Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, premiered this year.

Barbie's YouTube channel has over 11 million subscribers and 23 billion minutes of watched content, making it the top brand for girls on the platform.

Every minute, over 100 Barbie dolls are sold, available in 150 countries worldwide.

Controversy or Role Model?

For more than 60 years, Barbie has sparked both criticism and admiration. Some see her as promoting unrealistic beauty standards that harm girls' self-esteem, while others view her as an empowering female icon with diverse careers, from astronaut to president. Her glamorous and independent image has inspired generations of girls to dream big. Whichever stance you hold, Barbie undeniably remains a powerful cultural influence.

Barbie’s Cinematic Triumph

The official Barbie trailer has hit screens, and it's evident why this iconic doll reigns supreme in the world of cinema. Several key factors have contributed to its success, captivating audiences worldwide:

Nostalgia and cultural relevance: Barbie has formed a deep connection with Millennials and Gen Z who grew up playing with the dolls.

Star power: The movie features popular actors Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, drawing audiences with their talent and star status.

Unique storytelling: Unlike previous animated films, this live-action Barbie movie immerses viewers in a vibrant world, resonating with its fish-out-of-water storyline.

Positive critical reviews: Critics praise the film's visuals, humor, and message, creating word-of-mouth buzz.

Social media sensation: A strong marketing campaign and viral trends like "Barbiecore" further fuel public interest.

Strategic timing: Released during the summer season, the family-friendly film benefits from kids being out of school, boosting ticket sales.

Learn English with all Barbie Movies

Enhance your English language skills while enjoying Barbie movies using these simple tips:

Watch the movie with English audio and subtitles, paying close attention to the spoken words' alignment with the text.

Pause the movie at intervals to repeat out loud new phrases you hear, improving your English speaking skills.

Look up the meanings of new words you come across, learning them effectively in context.

Pay attention to grammar patterns used, understanding English sentence construction.

Rewatch scenes to catch any details you missed initially, strengthening your overall comprehension.

Act out dialogues from the movie with a friend, making language learning interactive and enjoyable.

Write down idiomatic expressions and colloquial language used in the movie, learning conversational English.

Learn English with Promova

Join the free Promova Conversation Club to discuss popular movies with fellow learners, make friends, have fun discussions, and practice communication skills. Explore the Promova website for a treasure trove of helpful solutions waiting to be discovered!

Dress to Impress at the Movie Premiere

Embrace Barbiecore with vibrant and predominantly pink ensembles. Choose diverse silhouettes and add details like feathers, sparkles, holographic accessories, and plastic hair clips for the perfect Barbie aesthetic. Bubblegum pink and fuchsia also work for Barbiecore, channeling the spirit of specific decades for a shining appearance.

Famous Barbie Quotes

In her illustrious history, Barbie has shared some inspiring movie quotes that resonate with audiences:

“There’s a princess in every girl.” – From Barbie: Princess Charm School, reminding us of the potential for greatness and grace within each of us.

“True courage is pursuing your dream, even when everyone else says it’s impossible.” – Barbie And The Three Musketeers, encouraging us to chase our dreams against all odds.

"If you love something, set it free." – Barbie & Her Sisters In A Pony Tale, teaching the importance of letting go and allowing things to unfold naturally.

"The best way to make a friend is to be a friend." – Barbie Mariposa and the Fairy Princess emphasizing respect, kindness, and genuine friendship.

"Magic happens when you believe in yourself." – Barbie: A Fashion Fairytale, highlighting the significance of self-belief and its extraordinary outcomes.

Conclusion

As the highly anticipated Barbie movie hits theaters, it's no wonder that this iconic doll is once again taking the world by storm. Whether you're dressing up for the movie premiere, seeking inspiration from empowering quotes, or simply reminiscing about Barbie's societal impact, use Promova to enhance your English skills in a delightful and immersive way. Get ready to embark on an exciting cinematic journey with Barbie!