REVIEW: Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is Ridiculously Entertaining
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is probably one of the most ridiculous, but entertaining movies of 2021. Written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the team behind Bridesmaids, the movie follows 40s something, Barb (Mumolo) and Star (Wiig), who, after losing their jobs, decide to leave their small Midwestern town and head to Vista Del Mar in hopes of finding some much needed relaxation. However, relaxation is the last thing the two best friends find once they arrive in the Florida city. From good looking guys to resort exclusive activities, Star and Barb find themselves way out their comfort zones, are in for a trip of the lifetime. A trip that their friendship may not make it out of.
As you prepare to watch this movie, make sure to understand that this movie is absolutely ridiculous, but ridiculous in the best of ways. The characters are funny and engaging while the storyline is so out of this world that you have to wonder how Wiig and Mumolo came up with it. The two minds behind Bridesmaid, once again, manage to take a small idea, like two best friends going on vacation together, and turn it into a pretty crazy and wild ride. Add in an A+ cast and some really random cameos, and you have another win for the duo.
Wiig and Mumolo are great as Star and Barb. The chemistry between the pair is fire and the two are able to play off one another with such ease that it’s hard to forget that they do not live with one another 24/7. Even with the great performances from these two funny ladies, Jamie Doran is easily the best part of this movie. From his musical numbers to his crazy antics, this performance is something we haven’t seen out of Doran before and, hopefully, it won’t be the last time. Damon Wayans Jr., Wendi McLendon-Covey, Vanessa Bayer, Fortune Feimster, Rose Abdoo, and Phyllis Smith round out the cast, but their performances are so small that it is hard to remember they were a part of the cast until they appear again. This has nothing to do with how they played their characters, but because Wiig, Mumolo and Doran’s performances are so memorable that they will be the ones you remember.
Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar is the perfect movie to watch if you are looking for a good laugh and not a lot of thinking. But, be reminded, this movie, most likely ,will not be the funniest movie you have ever seen nor will be it be the best movie you have ever seen. However, the movie will be one of the more entertaining movies you have seen, at least this year.
Grade: B