Barbie is brazenly feminist, but it is a white, liberal, gen-X type of feminism that neglects any form of intersectionality or class-analysis. Instead, actual criticism of the brand Barbie's role in hyper-consumerist society (and its associated ecological damage), brought up by the 'confused' and 'edgy' tween, is played of for laughs, as is often the case in contemporary 'subversive' Hollywood films.

Furthermore, while the film does allude to the damage patriarchal views have on manhood, unfortunately it offers no substantive answer beyond "just be yourself bro".

On the flip side, it is a surprisingly intelligent and entertaining film with genuinely funny quips and well-timed campiness, and the fact that it is as successful as it is in the current political climate is probably a net good.