by Shane Conto
How many films can you say were sold by a pair of wigs, silly accents, synchronized foot dancing, and an overweight, Asian kid riding on a bike while lip syncing? This oddly specific list of features can only describe one film… Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. That vibrant and absurd trailer featuring big personality and crazed energy smashed onto the scene last year grabbing the attention of many. Is it going to be a laugh riot, or is it just plain stupid? However you felt, you were certainly curious. Then BAM! COVID-19 happened. When would we get the chance to find out what Barb and Star was really about? That trailer honestly did not give away anything about the film. Finally, Valentine’s Day weekend is the time. But are audiences ready for what Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo have in store for all of us?
Well, that is quite the question. What do Wiig and Mumolo deliver in the form of this over-the-top comedy?
The show begins at the same place as the trailer: with our endearing overweight child delivering papers. Yes, the scene is just as amusing as in the trailer. But what comes next just might surprise you. What if I were to tell you this film is really about a satirical Bond villain wanting to send a horde of deadly mosquitoes to an unsuspecting Florida for REVENGE?! Yeah… I was quite perplexed too. But who can possibly stop this dastardly plot once this villain’s love bug (played with plenty of fun by Jamie Dornan)? Two awkward and dependent best friends with silly accents and strange sensibilities of course. Barb and Star are quirky and endearing in the best ways as we root for them to have the vacation of the lifetime.
But does the plot deliver engaging twists and turns?
The script can be quite uneven as there are moments that are hilarious and provide all the laughs while others fall flat. Luckily for Wiig, Mumolo, and the audience as well, the majority of the jokes land. This film certainly leans heavily into parody and absurdist comedy which give the film a lot of energy. There are definitely moments that feel forced and only there to check some boxes. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention this was a rom-com? Star and Dornan’s character certainly have chemistry but do you really care about them as a couple? Not quite, but the film has plenty of charm to make up for the lack of engaging plot.
Wiig and Mumolo do their best to structure a brilliant comedy in their script but what about their performances?
They are incredibly committed at every turn. Wiig is certainly the focus and the star (see what I did there?) of the film. Whether it is her bantering with Mumolo (who delivers a fun and charismatic performance), moving and grooving to seduce Dornan, or rocking clothes usually worn by grandmothers, Wiig does it all. Without her, this film would not be as much as it turns out to be. Our villain of the film also gives quite the performance, and delivers a fun surprise as well. Dornan (mostly known for Fifty Shades of Grey) delivers plenty of charisma including an unexpected and hilarious musical number that lampoons 90’s and 2000’s music videos. But let’s be real here…Reyn Doi is the real MVP with his portrayal as a henchman for our antagonist. Throw in Damon Wayans Jr. and a crew of Wiig and Mumolo’s friends and we have a comedic gathering of talent.
Is the film overstuffed?
There are definitely some places it almost two-hour film could trim a bit. Do all of the jokes hit? Not quite, but there are plenty to be had. Does every aspect of the film land with the same energy and care? That is debatable especially when the film leans into rom-com tropes. But what is most important? Fun. This movie is fun and the absolutely strange nature of this film makes for a worthwhile time with Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
Grade: B-