Tale of Three Women Shaping Global Mania

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Beanie Bubble
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Genre: Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 50m
Director(s): Kristin Gore, Damian Kulash
Writer(s): Kristin Gore, Zac Bissonnette
Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Snook, Geraldine Viswanathan, Tracey Bonner
Where To Watch: premiering on Apple TV+ July 28, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: In a sea of biographical cinema now awash with tales of towering corporate entities, THE BEANIE BUBBLE emerges, bringing a unique taste to the genre. Here we find a story that roots itself in the fever pitch of 90s' Beanie Babies mania. Under the limelight is Ty Warner, the force behind the sensation embodied by Zach Galifianakis. The story unveils the pivotal trio of women who morphed Warner's idea into a whirlwind global phenomenon, a journey of deception, double-dealing, and maneuvering.

If you didn’t have much to do with Beanie Babies or know anyone who did, this might not hit you the same way. This is one of those experiences that you benefit greatly from having been part of or experiences to appreciate fully. The film reflects the shift in the landscape of biographical cinema from focusing solely on notable figures to incorporating the corporations and products they created.

THE BEANIE BUBBLE misses the mark in illustrating the broader historical context that birthed the Beanie Babies' frenzy. I think the film focuses too much on the background of the man “behind” the craze instead of what the sensation was. That’s part of why I could appreciate it vs. someone who may not have lived the experience.

However, THE BEANIE BUBBLE delivers a brisk pace packed with unforgettable moments. The storyline bubbles with insider details about the company's rise and the characters at the helm. The narrative's plunge into the murky depths of corporate deception within the context of a beloved children's toy phenomenon makes for a riveting watch.

The narrative threads together the peculiarities of Ty Warner's life, and the birth of the toy company, fueled by the partnership with Robbie, played by Elizabeth Banks, forms the story's central thread. The screenplay, a creation of Kristin Gore and inspired by Zac Bissonnette's nonfiction work "The Great Beanie Baby Bubble: Mass Delusion and the Dark Side of Cute," delves into the human drama entangled in the whirlwind frenzy of the "Beanie Baby Bubble" of the 90s.

The plot traverses two seminal phases of Ty's life, centering around the explosive popularity of the pint-sized Beanie Babies sprung from his original idea. Zach Galifianakis' portrayal of Ty Warner adds a fascinating layer to the story, striking a balance between the CEO's charisma and his less savory traits. The supporting performances from Elizabeth Banks as Robbie, Sarah Snook as Sheila, and Geraldine Viswanathan as the tech-savvy Maya breathe life and depth into the narrative.

THE BEANIE BUBBLE provides an intriguing look into the human condition, set against Ty's unpredictable persona. The directors opting for a light-hearted approach heighten the film's entertainment quotient while fearlessly navigating the uproar surrounding a toy craze that defied all logic. The non-linear storytelling through the lenses of its three leading female characters leans heavily on the cast's stellar performances. Galifianakis, Banks, and Viswanathan all step up to the plate, infusing the narrative with a dynamism that keeps the viewers engaged.

Overall, THE BEANIE BUBBLE offers a chuckle-inducing, well-paced biopic that will undoubtedly strike a chord with those acquainted with the Beanie Babies saga. Though it may not be carving out new frontiers in artistic creativity, the film delivers ample entertainment while unraveling the commercial and human drama behind an iconic toy sensation.

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[photo courtesy of APPLE TV+]

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