The film world’s been slacking on silly (and I mean silly silly) comedies of late, and it needs them now more than ever. There’s been a winner here or there every now and again, but seldom something to go down in the annals of time like an Anchorman or a Borat. Well, 2021’s got an early blessing with Bridesmaids co-writers and now co-stars Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig’s ridiculously entertaining beachside extravaganza, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, one of the most thoroughly fun and delightful straight comedies since the golden age of Will Ferrell and Adam McKay.
Resisting the overwhelmingly joyful Midwestern kitsch of Mumolo and Wiig’s titular leads is futile as Barb and Star, two single, ready to mingle middle-aged besties, treat themselves to a grand Floridian vacation after being fired from their dream department store jobs. Going from swampy hot dog soup to poolside drinks and romantic flings, the two women embark on a journey of love and self-actualization across the beach town of Vista Del Mar. There may or may also not be a nefarious revenge plot by a supervillain and her two goons somewhere in there.
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That setup doesn’t really do Barb and Star justice, because you really have to, for yourself, see Mumolo and Wiig’s comedic auteurship blast onto the screen like the unceasingly sweet explosions of a Diet Coke and Mentos rocket (as if the film’s giddy title doesn’t already give that away). Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the fabulous duo spout sugary one-liners with a bottomless well of enthusiasm and a heaping wallop of charm, going all in on the film’s no holds barred comedy featuring—but certainly not limited to—talking crabs, multiple music numbers, and the most bangin’ song about boobs since Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s iconic “Boobs in California.”
Simply put, Mumolo and Wiig’s colorful writing and acting is on point at all times—if that’s ever, for some reason, questioned in conversation, kindly point the dissenter to Barb and Star’s monologue about their ideal imaginary friend, Trish. And while Wiig pulls additional double double duty performing as Sharon, the aforementioned pale, crusty villain of the film, Jamie Dornan also gets to flex his surprisingly adept and shamelessly comedic muscles as Edgar, her evil agent and a potential love interest of our heroes.
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At the risk of repeating myself, there’s not much really else to say about Barb and Star. The film looks great with bright, summery production design in tune with its perpetually popping wit and performances. There isn’t a cynical bone in its body—it’s all sunshine, rainbows, and cleverly air-headed fun. I’ll be darned if you have a better time with a movie this year!
Grade: A
85%
Fresh
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