BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR

 

Ten years after writing the smash-hit comedy Bridesmaids together, Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo reteam to bring us Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, an utterly insane comedy that will go down as one of the most pleasant surprises 2021 will throw our way. Trust me, go into this one knowing nothing about what to expect and you won't regret it.

Lifelong friends Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristen Wiig) embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.

Barb and Star may not be as consistently funny as Bridesmaids but when it does get it right, it will have you laughing hard. There are a few jokes that just don't land or they carry on for too long, which tends to happen a lot more in comedies these days, but they more than make up for it with copious moments of pure joy and euphoria, along with some confusion for good measure, to become such an endearing comedy.

When I say confusion, I really do mean it in the best way possible because this film throws quite a number of random moments at you that are an absolute treat. Firm favourites of mine have to be Jamie Dornan unexpectedly bursting into song with "Edgar's Prayer", which should be one of the frontrunners for Best Original Song this awards season, and a crab with a very familiar name and voice offering Star some advice at one point. 

As well as writing the film, Wiig and Mumolo form the titular duo and they are absolutely fantastic together, irritating yet so loveable throughout. We all know how great Wiig can be in a comedy but Mumolo has never had the stage to shine, only having a minor part in Bridesmaids, and she well and truly grabs the opportunity here with sure to be one of the best comedic performances of the year. Jamie Dornan and Damon Wayans Jr. offer up hilarious supporting performances, the former really surprising me with his timing and, once again, THAT song.

It may have made me really wish I was on holiday again and not in lockdown because of this bloody pandemic but Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is an absolute blast that you should take the chance on and rent because it really is perfect for a Friday or Saturday night.

Verdict: ★★★★