NEW YORK — Two summer blockbusters premiere on the big screen this weekend — “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
These two films couldn’t be more different from each other, but they both attract so many audiences that they are becoming a phenomenon.
There’s a parade of pink entering the cinema this weekend for the opening weekend of Greta Gerwig’s ‘Barbie’.
“It’s the fun energy, the fashion, the sparkling spirit. It’s like nostalgia as a kid,” said East Village resident Jillyn Richardson.
Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” will also open this weekend.
Together we get ‘Barbenheimer’.
“We saw ‘Barbie’ at 3 and then we do ‘Oppenheimer’ at 6, so it’s like it’s a whole day. I hope no one at work sees this because I’m ‘really working,'” Brooklyn resident Lola Gusman said.
The two films that bring people together are worlds apart.
“One is about a very horrific historical event and now ‘Barbie’ is the opposite,” said Bushwick resident Khalied Bashri.
In terms of style, there is a clear favorite among moviegoers who wear Barbie shoes, pins and even tattoos.
“I feel like we all have our stories with Barbie,” said Astoria resident Brooklyn St. John.
Fans came dressed as Workout Barbie, Doctor Barbie and, digging deep into the Barbieverse, NSYNC Number One Fan Barbie.
“I’m a huge Christopher Nolan fan, but I’ve been listening to the ‘Barbie’ album all day, so I’m pretty excited about that,” said Astoria resident Joe Corrado.
Don’t forget about Ken.
“It was really all about channeling Ken, channeling that Kenergy,” Bashri said.
“Everybody’s going to see the biggest summer event, and it’s the movies,” said Bed-Stuy resident Ryan Carlson, who was dressed as J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The double blockbuster brings enthusiasm to the cinemas again.
“This isn’t a two- or three-day phenomenon. We think these movies will attract people in the coming weeks,” said Michael O’Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theater Owners.
As if there wasn’t enough excitement, “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig stopped by a screening at a movie theater in Union Square on Friday.
“Thank you and I hope you like the movie,” she told the audience.
So what is it about this 60-year-old blonde with a billion careers that has us grounded?
“It’s such a throwback to another era, but so relevant at the same time,” said mom Molly Bruttomesso.
The reviews?
“The dialogue, the humor, but it plays on your emotions,” said East Village resident Oscar de la Cruz.
Experts predict this will be a $200 million weekend at the box office.
Ali Bauman
