Before the phrase hopefully/rightfully gets retired in 2017, the ugly storm of chatter around this year’s female-led reboot of “Ghostbusters” was a real dumpster fire. And I can already sense that “Barbie” will be much the same. But if there is anyone who can endure the slings and arrows of the internet, it’s Amy Schumer.
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The comedian and actress is the somewhat inspired to choice to lead the toy movie, that will be penned by sibling writers Hilary Winston (“The Lego Ninjago Movie,” “My Name Is Earl“) and Kim Caramele (who has worked with Schumer, as a producer on “Trainwreck,” and producer/writer on “Inside Amy Schumer“). The pair will be spinning a story about a woman who wakes up in a land of Barbies, realizes she doesn’t fit in, and goes to the real world where she discovers the best thing she can be is herself.
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Sure, the message of the movie is a little on the nose, but it’s a smart move, and a subversive way to make “Barbie” — which for decades has been criticized for promoting unhealthy and unrealistic body images, and generally a narrow view of womanhood — actually have some meaning. And especially when we’re about to enter four years with a man who has shown no reservation for objectifying and demeaning women, who would’ve thought that this kind of “Barbie” movie would be weirdly important.
The search is on for a director, there’s no release date yet, and I’d imagine Schumer and Sony will be taking their time to make sure “Barbie” is done right. [THR]
