(Thumbnail image from CNBC and thetoydetectives.com)
Barbie hits 50 this year, and she’s making it to the big screen. Mattel struck a deal with Universal Pictures to star Barbie in a first-time ever live-action film. Media sources question the move and have mixed opinions about the Barbie legacy. (Footage from MSNBC)
We take a look at perspectives from Forbes.com, Entertainment Weekly, MSNBC, Examner.com and CBS News.
Barbie is diversifying to stay relevant, says a reporter from Forbes.com.
“The empire is in decline. In the fourth quarter, Barbie’s world-wide growth sales fell 21%.”
“America’s tween demographic, the age 7 to 13 market is graduating to edgier toys like Bratz Dolls or the Hannah Montana franchise.”
A writer from Entertainment Weekly is doubtful about the move.
“We’re already a little skeptical. Isn’t the whole point of Barbie that she’s got a personality as blank as her expression? That works fine for a doll, but 90 minutes of pretty hair and pool parties does not a movie make.”
A reporter from MSNBC is more optimistic.
“The film is sure to be a far cry from Barbie’s first ever commercial in 1959…
Analysts say the movie deal makes good business sense. Similar live action films by toys like Transformers and G.I. Joe have made millions.”
What does this mean socially, questions a writer from Examiner.com.
“Who knows what seeds of teenage eating disorders and body- image craziness was instilled by having this fem-bot as a primary childhood role model? …Many a feminist Phd thesis has been written on Barbie's destructive [e]ffect on young girls' self-image over time.”
An author of a book, ‘Forever Barbie’ tells CBS News that she begs to differ.
“I think Barbie was really in a lot of ways, the first feminist. She kind of pointed the way out of the kitchen for little girls.”
Media sources have mixed opinions about Barbie and Mattel’s latest move. We want to know what you think.
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