Knight Writers Back to School Playlist

1. “Pyramids” by Frank Ocean

2. “Redbone” by Childish Gambino

3. “LOVE. FEAT. ZACARI.” by Kendrick Lamar & Zacari

4. “Is There Someone Else?” by The Weeknd

5. “Smooth Operator” by Sade

6. “Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift

7. “The Spins” by Mac Miller

8. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA

9. “Pink + White” by Frank Ocean

10. “Money Tree” by Kendrick Lamar & Jay Rock

11. “Miss Americana & The Heartbreak Prince” by Taylor Swift

As a kid, I was never allowed to have Barbies because my mom thought that they set unrealistic beauty standards. She didn’t want me to feel bad for not being as skinny or perfect as a Barbie. As a result, I never felt a real connection to Barbie, or any of the Barbie movies growing up. Since I never had that personal connection, I viewed them as cheesy and shallow.

But, despite my lack of knowledge of the previous Barbie movies and “Barbie’s Dream House,” I had been looking forward to this movie since the announcement of its release, and it did not disappoint.

The movie focuses on stereotypical Barbie played by Margot Robbie who lives the perfect day every day in Barbie Land, until one day everything changes when she starts having irrepressible thoughts of death. This worrisome “defect” sends Barbie on an adventure to the real world with the mission of returning her life to normal.

While on her journey, Barbie has a wake up call. Much to her surprise she realizes that the real world is nothing like Barbie Land, but the exact opposite. She finds a world where men hold all of the power and she is constantly talked down to.

Robbie does an amazing job of bringing a literal doll to life. It’s incredible how much emotion she was able to invoke in audiences

Not only was this movie emotional and relevant, but it was funny as well. While tears were shed, laughter was much more common. There were many moments when the entire theater was giggling, usually because of Ken.

It’s no wonder that the Barbie movie broke so many records, such as having the best US opening ever for a film directed by a woman. Therefore, proving that it actually achieved its goal of empowering women. It’s a movie by women, about women, for women.

I think the Barbie movie is an important movie for everyone to see. It clearly depicts the everyday challenges that women face in their day to day lives in a funny, ironic way. If you haven’t already, you should head to the theater as soon as possible to see it.