Barbie

First of all, doll hand high fives are in order. High five to the marketing campaign that created urgency for every demographic to get to the cinema. Another to director Greta Gerwig (Little Bird, Little Women) who didn't deliver a toy movie, but a fun, funny summer film with a universal message. Props to whoever convinced Mattel to take this risk. 

And thumbs up to Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling for never letting us down.

That said, I enjoyed and appreciated this movie but didn't love it. I laughed a lot, but it could have been funnier. And its exploration of patriarchy, while often quite brilliant, was repeated every minute with every character and it became exhaustingly repetitive. Some variety would have helped this project reach a higher level.

However, did I mention that I laughed out loud, at a toy movie? Once it hits the small screen I won't see it twice, but it's totally worth a ticket this summer.

In a nutshell: It's the moment movie of the year so you might as well go; you'll laugh. Parents, do your homework on the right age for kid viewers.

Where to see it: In theaters now.

Award Potential: Some Golden Globe nominations will surely fill the Comedy/Musical categories. As far as Oscar, The Academy wants to reward female directors but Greta's achievements here will likely fade too much by drama season January to reward her for a Mattel movie. She'll have other chances.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.