Crave Summary:
Lifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small town for the first time ever.
FYA Summary:
Codependent platonic life partners and BFFs Barb and Star are in a rut — professionally, socially, life…ly. When they learn about a fabulous resort in Florida, it seems like the answer (or at least a temporary solution) to all their troubles. But little do they know that trouble’s actually headed to Vista Del Mar, in the form of a nefarious scheme being carried out by henchman Edgar.
In movie comparison parlance, Barb and Star is like a cross between Stella Got Her Groove Back (which it name drops and is much whiter than) and the criminally underrated Spy. Which sounds ridic, but somehow works. But is also very ridic (complimentary).
Familiar Faces:
Annie Mumolo as Barb, Kristen Wiig as Star, and Jamie Dornan as Edgar
Barb and Star are definitely very specific personalities. Maybe it’s the Wiig connection, but they feel like throwback SNL characters who got their own movie — and thankfully with enough characterization and heart to prevent them from being full caricatures. Not only did Mumolo and Wiig also write and produce the film, but these long-time collaborators figured out how get paid to spend time together on a freaking beach, aka FRIENDSHIP GOALS.
Meanwhile, Edgar is a total simp for his villain boss. Jamie Dornan was clearly having a great time playing this character, and apparently filmed this back-to-back with the bee movie?!??! WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE. (Like literally though lol it was 2019.)
As for the rest of the cast, there are CAMEOS GALORE. If you’re familiar with Hollywood sitcoms and comedies over the past 15 years (i.e., probably everyone reading this), you’ll probably recognize a few more faces.
Couch-Sharing Capability: High
While I enjoyed the movie from start to finish, it wasn’t really lol-inducing until the two storylines merged. (And even then, it got more extremely attractive snorts out of me instead of actual belly laughs.) But it’s still amusing and entertaining enough to be a crowd pleaser.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Buried Treasure Optional
You don’t need to drink as much as Barb, Star, and Edgar on their bender to enjoy this movie. Unless you’re not into silly shenanigans, I suppose.
But of all the things that strained my suspension of disbelief, I couldn’t get over how Barb and Star are supposed to be in their 40s and have chosen… their chosen aesthetic. IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWENTY-NINETEEN?!?? I get that they’re from small town Nebraska and my perception is skewed by knowing plenty of 40-somethings who look and dress cool, but still!
Use of Your Streaming Subscription: Good
I always appreciate a movie that immediately lets you know you’re in for a fun and completely unserious time. Visiting Vista Del Mar might not change your life like it did for Barb and Star, but it’ll certainly bring a little shimmer to it.
