Both Universal's Oppenheimer and Warner Bros.' Barbie are both set to hit theaters this weekend, and "Barbenheimer" has blown up (no pun intended) the internet.
Now, the review embargoes for both films have lifted, and, so far, critics seem to be equally impressed by Christopher Nolan's bleak historical drama and Greta Gerwig's colourful doll-based comedy.
Oppenheimer's embargo only just lifted, and with 69 verdicts counted, currently sits at a near-perfect 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Barbie's embargo lifted late last night, and while its initial score was also in the 90s, it's since slipped to a still very impressive 89% with 133 reviews logged.
Despite these high scores, both films do have their detractors, although the outright negative reviews do seem to be few and far between.
The Barbenheimer phenomenon arose from the fact that Nolan's biopic starring Cillian Murphy (and pretty much every actor in Hollywood) and Greta Gerwig's bright fantasy comedy starring Margot Robbie (and every other actor) are so diametrically opposed in tone, with many cinemagoers planning opening weekend double-features.
It will definitely be interesting to see which one comes out on top of the box office.
Are you planning a Barbie/Oppenheimer double-bill this weekend? Drop us a comment down below.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.