Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar

There is so much to enjoy in this film. The writing has layers of humor that can appeal to almost anyone, if they're willing to accept some of the absurdism. Just accept it. Just go with it because this truly insane film hits so many notes of comedy accented by vivid sets and fun cut aways (packing their suitcases). And hats off to Jamie Dornan. He truly trusted his director and writers/costars because you have to admit, that character on paper would've been indiscernible. And yet he ends up charming at the end, in a caricature way, but still sympathetic. Wiig's dual performance is the cherry on top of all around incredible character moments-and lovely to see Phyllis and Vanessa. This seems like a movie that was a riot to make.

IN A NUTSHELL: This movie is exactly what we all need right now. If you've been experiencing a pandemic funk as I have, you'll welcome this silly comedy as a breath of fresh air. It's super colorful, tropical, and ridiculously goofy... basically, the complete opposite of the pandemic. Written by Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, and directed by Josh Greenbaum, the movie celebrates friendship and fun. In fact, one of the lines in the movie is, "Isn't that what we all want: a little love, friendship, and adventure?" THINGS I LIKED: Kristen Wiig is so talented and plays two different characters in the movie. Her writing partner, Annie Mumolo, is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and Kristen's writing partner of the comedy hit Bridesmaids. While their writing includes a lot of crude humor I don't enjoy, I recognize the importance of being able to laugh at a lighthearted movie with a simple message. There's a funny line about culottes, so I thought it was really cute that the movie opens with a written definition of what culottes are. Fun music soundtrack. I was surprised that there were several musical numbers. Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) I love the idea of a "soul juzz." We all need that every now and then! The film is soooo colorful that you can't be in a bad mood when you watch it. Morgan Freeman gives a cameo performance...of sorts... I love the SNL code. Well, at least it seems like there's one. It's the loyal friendship that inspires the comedians from Saturday Night Live to include spots in each other's movies. SNL actors in this movie include Kristen Wiig and Vanessa Bayer. Another SNL alum, Will Ferrell, was one of the producers of the movie. Two stand-up comediennes included in the cast are Fortune Feimster and Karen Maruyama. Young Reyn Doi does a great job as YoYo. There's a random cameo by someone who actually shares a profound lesson in life. No spoilers! There's another cute cameo by someone who shares the other life lesson in the film. No spoilers! She looks great though! Obligatory dance party at the end of the movie that will put a smile on your face. If you're a fan of Jamie Dornan from Fifty Shades of Grey, you're going to see a very different side of him in this movie. His Irish accent comes out and he even sings and dances. THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: I don't appreciate crude humor and there is a lot of it. There's a stupid, offensive song called "I love boobies." Really? While the dumb things that come out of Barb and Star's mouths are unexpected, the movie is plot is pretty formulaic. Damon Wayans Jr.'s character was super random and didn't make any sense in the story. TIPS FOR PARENTS: Lots of inappropriate sex jokes both visual and spoken Unmarried people "go at it" Some profanity THEMES: Friendship Love Laughter Adventure "You can only be a friend if you're a friend to yourself first. That is where you find your truth." - Tommy Bahama (surprise cameo performance) FUNNY LINES: "This place is full of places looking to hire women in their 40s." - Barb (Annie Mumolo) "A person's face says a lot about her look." - Star (Kristin Wiig) "I like wicker but I don't like sitting on it." - Lady in the talking club (Rose Abdoo) INTERESTING LINES: "I feel like I've lost my shimmer." - Star (Kristen Wiig) "Isn't that just what happens when you're older?" - Barb (Annie Mumolo) "Sometimes you gotta step out of your box a little so then you'll know what life is really about. - Trish (cameo performance) You can watch my full review on my Movie Review Mom YouTube channel!