(Photo: Twitter/@barbiethemovie)
Anticipation grows more and more as the days approach the release of both Barbie and Oppenheimer in theaters. Many are dubbing the day “Barbenheimer” and are rightly planning their days around the two movies. AMC Theaters reports that 20,000 of their Stubs members have purchased tickets to see both films on the same day. More recent reports show that the number has skyrocketed to 40,000!
On the Barbie pink carpet last weekend, many celebrities were asked how they were approaching the double feature – what to watch first, Barbie or Oppenheimer? Issa Rae, who plays President Barbie, told The Hollywood Reporter that fans should see “Oppenheimer first, and then cleanse your palette with Barbie.”
The decision between which to see first has people divided. Some say they should start off in the Barbie dream world and end the day with Oppenheimer for a more solemn evening. Whereas others, like Issa Rae, are choosing to begin with Oppenheimer and conclude on a happier note with Barbie.
If you're still unsure which movie to see first, here is a “How To” guide to a successful “Barbenheimer” double feature!
First off, it’s important to note the time length of both films. Barbie is 1 hour and 54 minutes, so just under 2 hours, which is a breeze compared to the 3-hour monster which is Oppenheimer. With those times in mind, this is sure to be an all-day activity.
Barbie First
If you would like to start on Coud 9 instead of a mushroom cloud, go with an 11:30 AM
Barbie brunch at
Cafe Landwer. For a limited time, the restaurant is providing a special
Barbie menu filled with inspired drinks and food from the movie.
After you pay the check and are decently buzzed, head over for a 1 PM showing of the Barbie movie for just about 2 hours of eye-popping pinks and a soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seat. Once the film ends, it's time to prepare yourself for the weight of the world in Oppenheimer. This will require at least 30 minutes of downtime to mentally prepare. You can take this time to go home and find your best fedora and trenchcoat, or sit down in silence to think about the next 3 dense hours of film you’re about to endure.
When it's about 4 PM, head back to the theater and get ready for the second showing of the day. Make sure you use the restroom and purchase any snacks prior, as the movie will have you glued to your seat. If you do have to get up during the film, don’t worry too much if you’re crying loudly in the bathroom; nobody will be able to hear you over the sound of the atomic bomb exploding.
Once the film has let out, take this time to release a big, long deep breath -- You did it! Give yourself a big pat on the back for accomplishing such a triumph of movie-watching.
Oppenheimer First
If you’re planning on starting your day with doom in mind, start with a 10 AM showing of Oppenheimer. Nothing wakes you up better like the sound of nuclear warfare in the morning.
Before your 2 PM showing of Barbie, it’s good to stretch your legs and move around a little bit, especially since you’re about to embark on another 2 hours of sitting down. Like Issa Rae said, use Barbie as your palette cleanser -- throw your hair up into a perfect Barbie ponytail, change into your brightest pinks, and pregame to the “Barbie Girl” song by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice; this will for sure change your mood and boost you back into Barbie mode!
Afterwards, celebrate with a Starbucks Vanilla Bean Crème Frappuccino with dragon fruit and raspberry syrup, or what fans are calling the “Barbie Frapp”!
Be sure to catch both Barbie and Oppenheimer in theaters this Friday (July 20)!