Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar

Lionsgate | Release Date (Streaming): February 12, 2021

6.2	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 59 Ratings

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User Reviews

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TVJerryMay 5, 2021

Kristen Wiig joins Annie Mumolo (her co-writer from Bridesmaids) to create the titular characters. They’re extremely dizzy, chipper best friends from the Midwest who travel to Florida for a vacation. Meanwhile, there’s a plot to end theirKristen Wiig joins Annie Mumolo (her co-writer from Bridesmaids) to create the titular characters. They’re extremely dizzy, chipper best friends from the Midwest who travel to Florida for a vacation. Meanwhile, there’s a plot to end their lives featuring Wiig in a white wig (as the villain) and Jamie Dorman (who’s having great fun in this comic turn). Yes, this feels like an extended SNL sketch, but generally manages to pull of the extended run time and tosses in some minor moments of absurdity. While this film doesn’t come close to their quality of first comedy hit, the wacky energy and scatterbrained characterizations manage to keep it enjoyable.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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greedoinaspeedoMay 5, 2021

Best comedy I’ve seen in ages. Pure, unhinged absurdism. Hardest I’ve laughed in some time.

Destined to be a cult classic. Do it!

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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Stream2BigScreeFeb 20, 2021

Alright, Streamers, we caved! After weeks of seeing these inscrutable teasers and trailers of a new comedy from the gals that brought us Bridesmaids, we broke down and rented Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar. While the promotions for thisAlright, Streamers, we caved! After weeks of seeing these inscrutable teasers and trailers of a new comedy from the gals that brought us Bridesmaids, we broke down and rented Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar. While the promotions for this film hinted at the tone of the comedy, they never gave away really any details of the storyline, even though the title says a lot. It was intriguing enough to get us over the hump of shelling out $19.99 for the rental. Here's whether it was worth your Tubmans.

Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar tells the story of devoted best friends Barb and Star, who have fallen on hard times despite their generally sunny demeanors. Realizing they're stuck in a rut and wanting to shake up their lives, they leave their small Midwestern town to go on vacation in Vista Del Mar, Florida. Hijinks and plot machinations ensue when they encounter a mysterious and dashing stranger at the resort leading to opportunities of adventure, love and the strengthening bonds of friendship. It really is best to go in cold to this movie - it makes it all the more surprising and funny.

Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo star in and co-wrote Barb and Star. Mumolo is Barb, and Wiig is Star. They have such specific characterizations of these middle-aged friends. They finish each other's sentences, they dress alike, they don't lie to each other, and despite their personal difficulties, there is still a joy to their lives even in the smallest things. The chemistry between Mumolo and Wiig is so easy that it infuses the whole film with infectious glee. It's hard not to smile throughout. Jamie Dornan is a surprise here as the mysterious stranger, Edgar. Dornan throws caution to the wind and really finds the vibe of the silly energy that Wiig and Mumolo establish. Dornan really has a great showcase here and I would be surprised if he's not the main take away from this movie. Also, there are some awesome cameos and music throughout.

My only reservation here is that if you are not into ridiculous comedy or that specific Kristen Wiig-y energy, then you may not vibe with Barb and Star. There have been comparisons of this movie to the Austin Powers franchise or 80's comedies like Naked Gun. Those are appropriate, but I'd say Barb and Star is more Powers than Gun. Nevertheless, in these troubled times, a mindless comedy that has an off-kilter point-of-view and a big heart may be just what you need.

Ultimately, Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar is worth the trip. The $19.99 price tag may give you pause, but if you split with a couple friends, then it's like paying for a theater matinee. If you want to give your brain a break and get some big laughs, then this one's worth a big box of popcorn on a rowdy movie night.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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MazaoloFeb 13, 2021

Literally insane but I haven’t felt so happy in almost 12 months. If you enjoy feeling happy you’ll love this movie!

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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tropicAcesFeb 13, 2021

I wish I saw this in a theater with a crowd. So gleefully stupid. Really funny.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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jjulianoFeb 12, 2021

This is the kind of movie we needed. Silly, charming, well-filmed, entertaining, and pure escapism.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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flattenedspaceApr 22, 2021

Perfect pandemic viewing if you're looking for mindless silliness. Somewhat subversive if you consider that the main good guys and baddies (and most everyone in between) are middle-aged ladies. That one of them gets the hot guy is even better.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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punaFeb 14, 2021

So cheesy fun. The Over-the-top absurdity we all need today. I want a sequel now! Sure to be a cult classic!

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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RalfbergsNov 24, 2021

I enjoyed it. It of course is a bit silly, but it is meant that way, I mean since it is a comedy and also parody of some stereotypes etc. I enjoyed watching it and while it might not be the greatest comedy you will see, from the newer onesI enjoyed it. It of course is a bit silly, but it is meant that way, I mean since it is a comedy and also parody of some stereotypes etc. I enjoyed watching it and while it might not be the greatest comedy you will see, from the newer ones certainly I liked it… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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EugeneFragaAug 8, 2022

Kristen Wiig undoubtedly Hollywoods best female clown since Lucille Ball. A frenzied comedy for discriminating viewers.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Luke9648Jul 24, 2023

I'm an absurdist, so i love this movie. It's ridiculous. Sue me. Not everyone will get it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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