The world needs a laugh right now and the gals who brought you Bridesmaids, arguably one of the most defining comedies of the 10s, plan to do just that with Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar. Written by and starring Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, this quirky new effort makes an early claim as the comedy to beat for 2021.
After being made unemployed, two Midwestern, middle-aged women, Barb and Star, leave their hometown for the first time on a vacation to Vista Del Mar, Florida, where they stumble into an evil villain's plot to kill everyone in town. Directed by Josh Greenbaum in his narrative feature debut, Barb & Star is Bill & Ted for the gays and girls - and he gets Jamie Dornan to take his shirt off to prove it.
A camp, creative and wholly unique experience, Vista Del Mar won't be to everyone's tastes but those willing to indulge in the wacky antics of Wiig and Mumolo's latest collaboration will be thrilled with the beautifully tacky, thoroughly enjoyable results. Throwing every conceivable idea at the wall, sticking through sheer force of will at times, the duo have created a refreshing and surreal tropical adventure that re-energises a genre that has begun to feel somewhat stale as of late.
Like something out of a Katy Perry music video, Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar is as colourful visually as it is narratively, with director Greenbaum managing a purposely gaudy, eye-popping experience that comes as close as many of us will achieve to a visit to golden sands for some time. Bursting with fantastic comedic set pieces and musical numbers, Greenbaum dials everything up to the max, switching up genres and tones with enthusiasm, and gleefully presenting the candy-coloured fun. Perhaps it needs more focus at times, and maybe it loses some of its affability when it complicates the plot, but it never detracts too much from the sheer thrill of this holiday.
The acting could make or break a project like this but, because of their double-hat-wearing involvement in this project, and their natural charisma and talent, Wiig and Mumolo thrive and shine. They have always been two of our most watchable comedians, and their Barb & Star play into that fabulously, demonstrating that nothing replaces strong chemistry and genuine skill as performers. The pair's sharp reactions and expert improvisation instincts cultivate endearing characters and natural energy, with a steady stream of laughs; they are similarly able to take themselves just serious enough to handle the dramatic weight too, no matter how pantomime-esque the villain's plot feels. If they are superseded as the finest comic pairing of the year, then we are in for a good year of comedy.
A sweet, silly and consistently funny (if narratively uneven) comedy with a big heart and even bigger laugh quota, those describing Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar as an extended Saturday Night Live sketch should remember to include the disclaimer that this would be some of the best content produced by the show in years. Destined to be a cult classic in years to come, the vibrancy and colourful excitement of these lovely characters facing an over-the-top situation is a joy to watch; of course, everybody's mileage will vary, but all will be able to agree that, if nothing else, Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo are entertaining like few others.
Summary: A delightful comedy that brings some much-needed creativity to the comedy genre, Barb & Star Go To Vista Del Mar is an enjoyable and entertaining adventure that showcases Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo as two of the finest comedians working today.