I absolutely love doing reviews on new movies, especially when I am in a small group that gets to review the film before it comes out to the public. I recently got to review a 2021 Valentine comedy that is a welcome relief in this time of pandemics and impeachment trials.
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
What do you get when you mix two middle aged women, recently let go from their jobs, a mad scientist intent on seeking revenge on her hometown, a lovelorn spy, a banana boat, and a trip to Vista Del Mar? You get a fabulously funny comedy film. Barb and Star Go To Vista Del Mar was directed by Josh Greenbaum and stars Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, Jamie Doman, and Damon Wayans. Jr.
I am a big fan of Kristen Wiig, and especially of Jamie Dornan. Wiig, a former cast member of Saturday Night Live, starred and co-wrote the screenplay for Bridesmaids that earned her a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for Best Actress in a musical or comedy. Jamie Dornan is a very sexy actor from Northern Ireland and best known for his role in The Fall and his role as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades trilogy…but did you know that he can sing and dance?
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar is a light-hearted comedy about two close friends, Barb (Annie Mumolo) and Star (Kristen Wiig). They are middle aged women, one a widow, and another a divorcee who look for the silver lining in the worst situations. The highlight before their vacation to Vista Del Mar is a weekly get together that is strictly overseen by their OCD friend…think Soup Nazi. Once they get to their vacation spot, Barb and Star meet Edgar (Jamie Doman) a spy who is in a loveless relationship with a female mad scientist (Kristen Wiig).
The mad scientist is intent on releasing a secret bioweapon on the unsuspecting vacationers at Vista Del Mar. Like I said, there is some singing and dancing, and a talking crab, but what makes this film work is that with all the kitschy situations that our gals find themselves in, there is still time to fall in love while trying to save the town from the evil scientist.
Conclusion
As I said, I am so happy to have the opportunity to review brand new films, especially good comedies. Our culotte pants wearing heroines, Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo, along with Jamie Doman have offered us a Valentine treat to be savored over a glass of wine and a box of good chocolates. This Lionsgate gem is coming out on this Friday, February 12th.
