Pink drinks, shakes and sundaes: Fall River-area food spots getting in on 'Barbie' fun

FALL RIVER — It's a Barbie world, and we're just living in it.

The new live-action "Barbie" movie drops in theaters today, June 21, and Barbie fever is sweeping the nation.

The hype has been building for months, but has really taken off in the week ahead of its official premiere, with shades of pink spotted everywhere — from restaurants to retail offering special promotions inspired by the iconic Mattel doll.

Some of it's been quirky and fun, and some bizarre.

Case in point: the controversial Barbie combo launched at Burger King Brazil that has set the internet ablaze. The pink meal includes fries, a soda, pink milkshake topped with a pink glazed doughnut, and the main event — a burger topped with cheese, diced bacon and a neon pink sauce (think Pepto Bismol) that's being dragged by Twitter users.

While that promotion seems too over-the-top for most people's tastes, there are tons of other creative and palate-pleasing ways businesses are jumping on the Barbie train.

Even Greater Fall River spots are getting in on the action. Here are some delicious ways you can add Barbie to your menu and celebrate the much-anticipated flick's release:

Malibu Barbie drink of the week

Come on, Barbie fans, let's go party at Pier 52, the perfect pre-game spot for fans of the flick this weekend. Drop by 52 Ferry St., Fall River, before hitting the theater and try their cotton-candy-hued drink special dubbed "Malibu Barbie" — topped with a pineapple slice and a cherry. Bring your plastic, it's fantastic.

Barbie World shake special

Leave it to this Fall River go-to for outrageous ice cream concoctions to come up with a jaw-dropping creation that would make Mattel proud. For a sweet ending — or start — to your movie experience, Ice 'N' Roll, 4263 N. Main St., is shaking things up with its limited-time Barbie World shake. And it's a sight to behold. The pink milkshake comes in a cup with a rim coated in pink sprinkles, and is topped with whipped cream, a large pink lollipop, cupcake with pink icing and picks featuring the Barbie logo, all showcased in its own mini Barbie doll box featuring "surprises inside."

The fun doesn't end there. They are also holding a fun giveaway, where folks can win two free movie tickets and a Barbie World shake to enjoy at Ice 'N' Roll after your movie visit. To enter, you must like and share their Barbie World shake post on Instagram or Facebook, tag four people in that post, and follow Ice 'N' Roll on all their social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok). A winner will be announced on Saturday, July 22, and tickets are for AMC Theatres in Dartmouth, on Sunday, July 23.

Barbie weekend a hit at Eskimo King

Eskimo King recently celebrated everyone's favorite plastic pals with a Barbie-themed Sundae Funday. The past weekend folks flocked to the 29 Market St. spot in Swansea for some decadent pink treats: the "Hi Barbie" shake and the "Malibu Barbie" sundae, which consisted of vanilla soft-serve layered with pink sprinkles, strawberry cake crumble and strawberry sugar wafer pieces, topped with whipped cream, a cherry, pink glitter and a Barbie-themed pick. And, due to customer demand, it looks like they will be making a yummy return for the film's local theater debut. Grab one this Saturday or Sunday.

Best Cake Ever at Cold Stone Creamery

Cold Stone Creamery has what Barbie dreams are made of. Get dolled up — or not — and stop in for their new "All That Glitters is Pink" signature creation, made with pink cotton candy ice cream topped with graham cracker pie crust, "dance party" sprinkles and whipped cream. It's also available in shake form. And no "Barbie" premiere party is complete without their Best Cake Ever Barbie Cake. Made with yellow cake and pink cotton candy ice cream, wrapped in fluffy white frosting and "dance party" sprinkles, get one to share — or maybe just treat yourself. Available in store and online for delivery. Cold Stone Creamery is located at 83C Faunce Corner Mall Road, Suite 102A, Dartmouth.

Non-edible Barbie fun

Catch the film at AMC's Dartmouth Mall theater, and get your hands on some Barbie collectibles while you're there. Grab one of AMC's Barbie drink floaties ($3.99 each) for you and all your besties while supplies last, or cruise in for their exclusive Barbie Corvette popcorn vessel and doll for $64.99.

AMC Stubs members also get an extra perk. Members who purchase tickets to see "Barbie" through July 23 will be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to the World of Barbie interactive experience in Los Angeles, in addition to a pair of roller skates, a Barbie Dreamhouse, and a collection of movie-themed dolls.

What is the 'Barbie' movie about?

Directed by Greta Gerwig, the Warner Bros. flick features Margot Robbie as the iconic Mattel doll and Ryan Gosling as her plastic partner, Ken. The star-studded cast also includes America Ferrera, Will Ferrell and Kate McKinnon, among others.

Marketed as a movie for people who love Barbie and also those who hate Barbie, the PG-13 comedy seems destined to be a summer hit. It follows Barbie and Ken on a journey of self-discovery in the "real world" after they are forced to leave the comfort of Barbieland.

Critic reviews have started to roll in, and so far the film adaptation of the iconic toy has been hailed a "smart and hilarious delight" and certified fresh by the movie review website Rotten Tomatoes. 

Where can I watch it?

"Barbie" officially releases in theaters nationwide Friday, July 21, but places like the Picture Show at SouthCoast Marketplace in Fall River have held early access screenings.

To check out showtimes at the Picture Show, click here. For showtimes at AMC Theatres at the Dartmouth Mall, click here.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River area gets in on the 'Barbie' movie fun for opening weekend