Words & Banter

Barbie’s Not The Only One Taking A Road Trip

BARBIE 2023 Warner Bros. Pictures film with Margot Robbie


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

I have a serious dilemma. And since summer movies are not exactly your “thing”, I doubt you’ll be any help.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Funny you say that, as there are three summer releases that I plan to see.


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

Three?! You?! Really?! I’m guessing one of them is “Oppenheimer.” But have no clue what the other two can be, especially as I can’t imagine you want to see "Barbie.”


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Yes, to “Oppenheimer,” and to “Barbie.” I am fascinated by all the Barbie marketing and co-branding … and how Mattel is not only trying to change how we look at Barbie, but also rebranding itself.

red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

With all due respect, I want to enjoy movies, not understand the business behind them!

Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

All I was going to say is that most people think of Mattel as a toy company, and what is happening with “Barbie” is they are becoming more Disney-like in that they are an intellectual property (IP) company managing franchises. That also happens to sell stuff. Lots of stuff.

red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

I guess that explains why it’s a full-blown Hollywood movie with big-name movie stars. And directed by Greta Gerwig, a “serious” and well-respected director. But that doesn’t explain why you would see it. Growing up, I don’t ever remember seeing you play with Barbie dolls. I know I didn’t.

Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

I guess hanging out with the boys next door and tying firecrackers to Barbie dolls does not count. But, I do have one Barbie doll pristine in her original box.

red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

Now you’re just messing with me. Or are going to say it was an investment purchase.

Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Neither. When I was racing the Ferrari Challenge, my crew gave it to me as a gift. And, she stands proudly amongst my various racing awards and paraphernalia.

red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

Did they mean it as a compliment or was it a gag gift?

Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Hard to say, as I was the only woman racing the series. But, I did not ask. What was important was how I saw it, not how they did. And, that is why I want to see the movie. I have been reading how Gerwig was determined it would not be some “fluff” piece, but a work of art and a commentary on society and women. It is an impressive objective, and before I can comment further, I need to see it for myself.

red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

Well, Sawyer caught a sneak preview showing the night before it officially opened, and she wants me to see it so we can discuss it.

Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

I can’t imagine that is your dilemma as you usually do not need an excuse to escape to the movies and eat popcorn. Although you have discovered that movie popcorn you make at home.


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

No, I was already planning to see it in the movie theater, but there’s no rush, as I expect it to be out for a while. But I’m concerned the latest Mission Impossible movie, “Dead Reckoning Part One,” which needs to be experienced on the big screen, may be gone from theaters if I wait too long.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Using that logic, I may need to see “Gran Turismo” when it opens.


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

The one based on the video game? I know it’s about cars, but you don’t play video games. Is this another “research” project? Can’t you just go to the movie to escape vs. think?


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

That is my plan. I know it will have great race scenes, but it is “inspired” by the true story of a teenage Gran Turismo player who wants to be a race car driver. Think of it as a modern-day “My Fair Lady” – except instead of trying to turn someone into a lady, they are trying to turn them into a world-class racer.


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

That analogy got my attention, although I doubt it’s how they’re marketing it. But it does sound like something that needs to be seen on a big screen.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

The movie that was made to be seen on the big screen is “Oppenheimer.” And, I mean literally, as it was specifically filmed for viewing not only in a movie theater, but on a 70mm IMAX screen, of which there are only 30 worldwide. And, if you are wondering, two are in Texas – Dallas and San Antonio.


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

Oh, I know! I already checked because the movie was done by the acclaimed writer-director Christopher Nolan, who also did “Inception,” one of Natasha’s and my favorite movies.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

So, is your dilemma which to see first?


red headred head assets.rebelmouse.io

No, it’s that I want to go to San Antonio to see “Oppenheimer” on the 70mm screen, but they’re saying it’s only going to be showing for three weeks, and all the weekend tickets are already sold out. And the weekday ones are going fast, so I have to figure out how to get your permission to take a day off.


Black's HeadBlack assets.rebelmouse.io

Well, that does not sound like a dilemma – it sounds like a road trip. Have fun.
Photo by Lynda Sanchez on Unsplash

It's a running joke in my family that the only reason I go to the movies is for the popcorn. And while that isn't 100% true, it's probably close, as I can't remember a time when popcorn wasn't an essential part of the experience.

I can still remember seeing Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" when it was first released (in 1974) at the Massapequa movie theater, which was literally at one end of an old strip shopping center. It bore no resemblance to today's multiplex cinemas, and the concession stand offerings were very limited. It was dark and a bit dingy, and the seats were old and uncomfortable. But I didn't care because the popcorn more than made up for it. And while I sat through multiple showings of the movie (it's still one of my favorites), I was grateful my dad had given me enough money to buy multiple popcorns, as in those days there was no such thing as the big bucket, let alone free refills.

Fast forward, and some things never change...

Keep Reading ...Show less
Photograph Courtesy of KIPP Houston Art School

Every time we see the photo above of our "guinea pigs", it brings back such fond memories. You may be thinking, "What? Are they calling those students guinea pigs?!" Well, actually, yes. And before you think ill of us, please know that we use the term with great affection, deep gratitude, and utmost respect. And these eight amazing seniors from the Class of 2010 know that's our nickname for them because ...

Keep Reading ...Show less

Red loves to stop and reminisce. Black prefers to look forward.

But even Black will admit that sometimes there’s value in looking back — it reminds us where we came from, the detours and roadblocks we have managed to navigate, and that we may be stronger and more capable than we give ourselves credit for. Sometimes, it’s a lesson learned. Sometimes, it’s a memory that reminds us what’s truly important.

But Black has one caveat (and it's one of her favorite car analogies) …

If you decide to look back, keep it in perspective. There's a reason why windshields are so much larger than rearview mirrors.