I think this was an absolutely brilliantly directed movie that will be discussed in film schools for decades to come. It's masterful in that it looks simplistic on the outside, but actually has a ton of very intentional and intelligent things going on underneath. That aspect is a huge part of it's brilliance.

Robie's acting was great, but I agree, not super noteworthy, but the directing was stupendous in my opinion.

https://www.tasteofcinema.com/2023/10-reasons-why-barbie-is-the-movie-of-the-year/

“The genius of Gerwig’s laser-sharp script lies in that it manages to navigate seemingly heady themes and shed light on a plethora of modern issues without pulling any punches or ever losing sight of its pulpy, low-brow pleasures. In fact, the whole thing whips by at such a clip that you’ll need repeated viewings to catch every pun and witty reference scattered throughout.

Rather than compromising her artistic integrity, the filmmaker seized the opportunity to make a piece of populist entertainment that not only takes a big jab at Mattel, but fearlessly challenges conventional viewpoints and encourages dialogue on real-life feminist issues, thus fitting in nicely with her earlier, lower-budgeted work.”

I couldn’t agree more!