Entertainment

Marc Maron Calls Out ‘Insecure Babies’ Who Are Offended by ‘Barbie’ on August 3, 2023 at 6:34 pm Us Weekly

Published

2 years ago

August 3, 2023

John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Oppenheimer may be about an atomic bomb, but Barbie’s the movie causing a pop culture explosion.

“My hope for the movie is that it’s an invitation for everybody to be part of the party and let go of the things that aren’t necessarily serving us as either women or men,” director Greta Gerwig told The New York Times in an interview published on Tuesday, July 25.

The highly-anticipated film — which was released on July 21 and stars Margot Robbie as the titular character alongside Ryan Gosling as Ken — raked in in $162 million on opening weekend. The satirical comedy bested Oppenheimer nearly twice-over.

The movie centers on Barbie and Ken as they leave the safety of Barbie World following an existential crisis — “Do you ever think about dying?” Barbie asks her fellow dolls on the dance floor — and head into the unknown of the real world. It’s a film about identity, breaking barriers and questioning the boxes society places us in.

While nearly all of Tinseltown has been decked out in pink even prior to the film’s release, not everyone is on board with some of the movie’s progressive themes — and the haters have made their criticism known.

Keep scrolling for the Hollywood discourse on Barbie:

The Stans

Jenna Bush Hager was openly “weeping” while taking daughter Poppy to see the Barbie movie. The Today With Hoda & Jenna cohost praised the film for its humanistic themes, noting on Tuesday, July 25, that the movie showed “what it means to be human, what it means to be a woman, what it means to be a mother, all of those things.”

Eva Mendes, meanwhile, couldn’t wait to gush about Gosling as Ken, whom she called “Mi Hombre, Mi Vida, Mi Amor” in an effusive Instagram post earlier this month praising her longtime partner in the role. Mendes opted to quote Gerwig’s commentary to Rolling Stone, in which she hailed Gosling’s performance as “some combination of Marlon Brando meets Gene Wilder meets John Barrymore meets John Travolta.”

Even Amy Schumer — who was initially cast as Barbie in the project before the film and its production went in a different direction — had nothing but good things to say about the film.

“Really enjoyed Barbie and Oppenheimer but I think I should have played Emily Blunt‘s role [in Oppenheimer],” she quipped via Twitter on Monday, July 24.

The Barbie-Burning Backlash

For all of the worldwide Barbie love, the movie was also met with drama — with some critiques more legitimate than others.

Robbie joked to People on the day of the movie’s release that her friends were horrified that she didn’t lock lips with Gosling at any part in the film.

“All of my girlfriends were like, ‘Well you did a whole movie with him and you don’t kiss? What’s wrong with you?’ I thought you were kind of in charge on this one!’” she quipped.

Robbie’s friends’ lighthearted humor, however, was no match for men in power who derided film’s feminist themes and political undertones. Sen. Ted Cruz called the movie “propaganda,” while controversial political commentator Ben Shapiro lambasted Barbie as a “flaming garbage heap” and criticized its “woke” narrative. He also shared a YouTube video of his thoughts titled, “Ben Shapiro DESTROYS The Barbie Movie for 43 Minutes,” in which he destroyed Barbie and Ken dolls by setting them ablaze.

Jenny Anderson/ABC

The Defenders

Whoopi Goldberg, for her part, was having none of it when discussing Cruz and Shapiro’s commentary on The View.

“It’s a movie! It’s a movie about a doll!” Goldberg, 67, declared. “I thought y’all would be happy. [Barbie] has no genitalia, so there’s no sex involved. Ken has no genitalia, so he can’t — it’s a doll movie!”

Her View cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin, meanwhile, slammed the men for feeling “emasculated” by the movie.

Weeks after the film’s premiere, Marc Maron weighed in on the discourse via TikTok, calling Barbie a “f–king masterpiece.” He continued in August, “I’ve never seen anything like it. … The fact that certain men took offense to the point where they, you know, tried to build a grift around it in terms of their narrative … it’s so embarrassing for them.”

Maron added: “Any dude that can’t take those hits in that movie, they’ve really got to look in their pants and decide what they’re made of. I mean, Jesus Christ, what a bunch of f–king insecure babies.”

The Fashion, Because Pink Is the New Pink

Forget any of the naysayers — if Barbie managed to get one thing right, it is the fashion. (And not just in the film, though it wouldn’t surprise Us if costume designer Jacqueline Durran was headed for another Oscar.) At every red carpet event promoting the movie Robbie was decked out in variations of actual Barbie outfits through the years — and every movie-goer followed suit.

Kim and Khloé Kardashian rocked the doll’s signature color while taking their daughters and nieces to the World of Barbie Experience in Los Angeles in early July; Kourtney Kardashian opted for hot pink jorts when seeing the film. Bush Hager, 41, sported a pink sweater at the movies while watching Barbie with her 7-year-old daughter, who wore Barbie shorts for the occasion.

Gerwig, for one, was in awe of the reach of the film — and its fashion. “It’s been amazing to walk around and see people in pink,” she told The New York Times. “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine something like this.”

Greta Gerwig. Anthony Harvey/Shutterstock

The Music

Not only is the Barbie soundtrack so stacked with talent we don’t even know where to begin — see: Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice‘s “Barbie World,” Lizzo‘s “Pink,” Dua Lipa‘s “Dance the Night and many more — Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” is the powerhouse performance that everyone can’t stop talking about.

“He has a beautiful voice, and he’s a beautiful dancer. We got there organically,” Gerwig told Rolling Stone on Wednesday, July 25, when explaining how she managed to get the former Mickey Mouse Club member to actually show off his singing chops in the film. “I think if I had said, ‘I want you to sing and dance in this movie,’ he would not have necessarily done that for me. But it was kind of that thing of boiling a lobster. I think by the time he was singing and dancing, he didn’t even totally know how we had gotten there. But he’s so fabulous at it.”

Meanwhile, the scene of all of the Kens singing Matchbox 20’s “Push” to the Barbies on the beach? Iconic. Even MB20 frontman Rob Thomas was here for it — even though he thought the band would be the “butt of the joke” at first.

“I want to preface this by saying I thought it was hilarious,” the musician told USA Today, adding that Gerwig is “one of my crushes forever.”

John Salangsang/Shutterstock Oppenheimer may be about an atomic bomb, but Barbie’s the movie causing a pop culture explosion. “My hope for the movie is that it’s an invitation for everybody to be part of the party and let go of the things that aren’t necessarily serving us as either women or men,” director Greta Gerwig

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Entertainment

Zendaya Earns $1 Million Per Episode: A New Milestone in TV History

Published

3 days ago

March 15, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Zendaya, the 28-year-old star of HBO’s hit series “Euphoria,” has made television history by securing a groundbreaking contract for the show’s upcoming third season. The Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress will now earn an impressive $1 million per episode, cementing her status as one of the highest-paid actors on television.

This monumental pay raise comes after Zendaya’s critically acclaimed performances in the first two seasons of “Euphoria,” where she portrays the complex character of Rue Bennett, a high school student grappling with substance abuse issues. Her powerful portrayal has not only captivated audiences but also earned her numerous accolades, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

A Record-Breaking Achievement

Zendaya’s new salary puts her in an elite group of television actors who have reached the million-dollar-per-episode milestone. This exclusive club includes the cast of “Friends” in their final season and the lead actors of “Game of Thrones”. At 28, Zendaya is now believed to be the youngest actor to achieve this feat, as well as the highest-paid Black female actor on television.

Impact on the Industry

This landmark deal reflects the changing landscape of television salaries, particularly in the era of streaming and premium cable networks. It also highlights the industry’s recognition of Zendaya’s immense talent and star power. As an executive producer on “Euphoria” since its second season, Zendaya has demonstrated her value both in front of and behind the camera.

What This Means for “Euphoria”

With Zendaya’s new contract, HBO has shown its commitment to the future of “Euphoria.” The series, known for its raw and unflinching portrayal of teenage life, has garnered a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. Zendaya’s increased salary suggests that the network is invested in maintaining the show’s quality and retaining its star talent.

Looking Ahead

As fans eagerly await the third season of “Euphoria,” questions arise about potential production timelines and how Zendaya’s other high-profile projects, such as “Dune: Part Two,” might affect scheduling. However, HBO’s willingness to negotiate such a substantial contract indicates their flexibility and determination to keep Zendaya on board.

Zendaya’s historic achievement not only marks a personal milestone but also sets a new standard in the television industry. It underscores the value of exceptional talent and the evolving nature of actor compensation in the contemporary entertainment landscape.

Bolanle Media covers a wide range of topics, including film, technology, and culture. Our team creates easy-to-understand articles and news pieces that keep readers informed about the latest trends and events. If you’re looking for press coverage or want to share your story with a wider audience, we’d love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss how we can help bring your news to life

Entertainment

Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1

Published

3 days ago

March 14, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is set to rev up the silver screen in his latest high-octane adventure, “Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1.” This eagerly anticipated film promises to deliver a perfect blend of star power and the exhilarating world of Formula 1 racing.

A Star-Studded Ride

Pitt, known for his versatility and charisma, takes on the role of a seasoned F1 driver making a daring comeback to the sport. The actor, now in his early 60s, has reportedly undergone rigorous training to convincingly portray a professional racing driver. His dedication to the role has already generated buzz among both film enthusiasts and F1 fans alike.

Behind the Wheel

The movie, directed by Joseph Kosinski of “Top Gun: Maverick” fame, aims to capture the intense, high-speed world of F1 with unprecedented authenticity. Kosinski’s expertise in action sequences and cutting-edge visual effects promises to deliver a visceral racing experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

More Than Just Racing

While the film showcases the thrilling aspects of F1, it also delves into the personal struggles and triumphs of Pitt’s character. The story explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of passion, adding depth to the high-speed narrative.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Joining Pitt is a talented ensemble cast, including Damson Idris as a promising young driver and Kerry Condon in a key supporting role. The film also boasts the involvement of legendary F1 driver Lewis Hamilton as a producer, ensuring an authentic portrayal of the sport.

Racing to Theaters

“Brad Pitt: Full Throttle in F1″ is slated for a worldwide release in the summer of 2025. With its combination of star power, intense racing action, and compelling storytelling, the film is poised to be a major contender in both the box office and the upcoming awards season.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience that will take audiences from the pit lane to the podium in the fast-paced world of Formula 1.

Entertainment

Fun Size Cinema Showcases Chicago’s Comedic Talent

Published

4 days ago

March 13, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Chicago, known for its rich comedy heritage, is set to celebrate its local comedic talent with the launch of Fun Size Cinema, a new screening series dedicated to showcasing short films, sketches, and other digital comedic works. The event, spearheaded by filmmaker Joelle Velez and her production company Sparkly Productions, will debut on Thursday, March 20th at 6 PM at The Revival theater in Chicago’s South Loop.

Sock it To Me- Short Film directed by Joelle Velez

A Platform for Local Comedy

Fun Size Cinema is designed as a platform for Chicago’s comedians, filmmakers, and improvisers to share their creative work with a broader audience. The series highlights the city’s comedic spirit through curated screenings of diverse content, including short films, sketch comedy, music videos, and comedic documentaries. By fostering connections and collaboration among local creatives, the event aims to build a supportive community for comedy and filmmaking in Chicago.

Joelle Velez explained her inspiration for the series during an interview with WGN News: “Chicago has such a strong comedy legacy—think Harold Ramis and Ghostbusters. We wanted to create a space where local talent could thrive without needing to move to New York or Los Angeles.” She emphasized that Fun Size Cinema offers filmmakers and performers the opportunity to showcase their work while staying rooted in Chicago’s vibrant artistic ecosystem.

Joelle Velez: A Driving Force Behind the Initiative

Joelle Velez, an award-winning filmmaker and graduate of The Second City Film School, brings her extensive experience in comedy and filmmaking to this project. Her production company Sparkly Productions partnered with The Revival theater to bring this vision to life. Velez’s own film Sock It To Me, which has garnered awards like Best Art Comedy at the Katra Film Series Comedy Film Festival, will be featured at the inaugural screening.

Velez’s career reflects her commitment to storytelling and comedy. Her previous works have been selected for over 20 film festivals worldwide, earning multiple awards. With training in improvisation, stand-up comedy, and acting, she is well-equipped to lead this initiative that celebrates Chicago’s comedic talent.

What Audiences Can Expect

The debut screening of Fun Size Cinema will feature nine short films from local creators. Unlike traditional film festivals that often prioritize dramatic or experimental works, this series focuses entirely on comedy—providing a unique space for sketch comedy and other humorous formats that are often overlooked.

Attendees can expect a movie-going experience filled with laughter and creativity. Whether you’re a filmmaker looking to network or simply a comedy enthusiast, Fun Size Cinema promises an evening of entertainment that highlights the exceptional talent within Chicago’s comedy scene.

Continuing Chicago’s Comedy Legacy

By creating opportunities for local comedians and filmmakers to showcase their work, Fun Size Cinema aims to continue Chicago’s legacy as a hub for groundbreaking comedy. As Velez stated during her interview: “There’s so much amazing stuff being made here that people don’t always get the chance to see. We want to create that stage for them.” This initiative not only celebrates Chicago’s comedic roots but also paves the way for future stars in the industry3.

For those interested in attending or learning more about Fun Size Cinema, visit The Revival theater on March 20th at 906 S. Wabash Avenue. Prepare for an evening of laughter, creativity, and community as Chicago’s comedic talent takes center stage.