🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Josh Greenbaum
- Genre: Comedy
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 6.3/10 (49K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 79%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Two culottes-loving Midwestern besties accidentally foil a supervillain’s mosquito-based revenge plot while discovering the joys of banana boat rides and shirtless Irish assassins.
🍿 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Life in Soft Rock, Nebraska
Barb and Star are best friends living in Soft Rock, Nebraska. They work together at a furniture store and attend ‘Talking Club.’ After losing their jobs and feeling uninspired, they decide to shake things up and take a vacation to Vista Del Mar, Florida. They are looking for adventure and a way to rediscover their ‘shimmer.’

Vista Del Mar and a Villainous Plot
Upon arriving in Vista Del Mar, Barb and Star quickly immerse themselves in the resort lifestyle. Unbeknownst to them, the resort town is the target of a revenge plot by Sharon Gordon Fisherman, a supervillain with a past connection to the town. Sharon plans to unleash deadly mosquitoes on the unsuspecting residents.

Entanglement with Edgar
Barb and Star both become romantically interested in Edgar Pagét, a charming man they meet at the resort. However, they don’t realize that Edgar is Sharon’s henchman, tasked with carrying out her evil plan. As Barb and Star navigate their vacation romance, they unknowingly become involved in Sharon’s scheme.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Barb (Annie Mumolo): A kind-hearted, if somewhat naive, Midwestern woman who embarks on a vacation with her best friend Star.
- Star (Kristen Wiig): A cheerful and optimistic Midwestern woman who goes on a trip to Vista Del Mar with her best friend Barb.
- Sharon Gordon Fisherman (Kristen Wiig): A vengeful and eccentric supervillain plotting to destroy Vista Del Mar due to past grievances.
- Edgar Pagét (Jamie Dornan): A lovelorn henchman torn between his affection for Sharon and his growing feelings for Barb and Star.
- Darlie Bunkle (Damon Wayans Jr.): An inept and easily distracted secret agent sent to assist Sharon in her evil scheme.
- Yoyo (Reyn Doi): A quirky and unusually mature young henchman working for Sharon Gordon Fisherman.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Barb: “We’re culottes twins!” – Said excitedly when Barb and Star realize they both packed their culottes for their trip.
- Star: “I think your dong went all the way up and… touched my heart.” – Star says this to Edgar after they spent a night together, expressing her affection in a naive and humorous way.
- Edgar Pagét: “Seagulls in the sand, can you hear my prayer?” – Edgar sings this dramatic ballad expressing his unrequited love and frustration.
- Barb: “Trish, where ever you are, we hope you’re having a good time and you’re wearing something fun.” – Barb and Star frequently call out to their imaginary friend, Trish, in an absurd way.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $34 million
- Domestic Gross: $0
- Worldwide Gross: $32,825
💥 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, I went in expecting something totally off-the-wall, and ‘Barb and Star’ delivered! The talking crab? Jamie Dornan singing on the beach? What?! It’s so weird, but I couldn’t stop laughing. I mean, the culottes alone are comedy gold. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s the perfect movie to watch when you need to turn your brain off and have a good time. Plus, the message about friendship is actually really sweet under all the absurdity.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s previous work (e.g., ‘Bridesmaids’)”
- “Viewers who enjoy absurdist and quirky comedies”
- “Those seeking a lighthearted and silly escape”
- “People who appreciate musical numbers and over-the-top humor”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Crude humor and sexual innuendo”
- “Some drug references”
- “Potentially offensive stereotypes (though often satirized)”
- “Situational violence”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While ‘Barb and Star’ boasts moments of inspired silliness and committed performances, the relentlessly absurd humor might not land with everyone. It’s a polarizing film that demands complete surrender to its unique brand of weirdness, but rewards those willing to take the plunge with genuine laughs.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s comedic chemistry is undeniable, and Jamie Dornan’s unexpected musical number is a highlight. However, the film’s reliance on wacky humor can be exhausting at times, overshadowing the genuinely heartwarming message about female friendship.
Audience Reactions
Jamie Dornan’s seagull song is an unexpected comedic highlight.: Viewers either found the movie hilariously absurd or painfully unfunny, with little middle ground.
The film’s bright, colorful visuals and whimsical tone were generally appreciated.: Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo’s chemistry as Barb and Star was a standout for many.
Overall Consensus: A divisive comedy that embraces absurdity, ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ either delights viewers with its over-the-top humor and quirky characters or leaves them bewildered and unimpressed.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Kristen Wiig and Annie Mumolo, the writers and stars, began writing the script over a decade before the film was released.”
- “Jamie Dornan’s musical number, including the shirt-tearing, was largely improvised. He felt the emotion called for it, and the crew went along with it.”
🖥️ How to Watch Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar?
Currently, ‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, Vudu, and YouTube. Check these and other digital retailers for specific pricing and availability in your region. The film is also available on DVD and Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar, you might like these similar films:
- Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997): Shares the theme of female friendship and two naive leads on an absurd adventure.
- Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (1997): Both films embrace over-the-top spy spoofs and ridiculous villains.
- Airplane! (1980): Features a similar style of absurdist, non-sequitur humor with jokes coming at a mile a minute.
- Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016): Shares the same brand of irreverent humour and musical parody
🛒 Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar Related Products
- Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar – Digital Movie: Own the movie to relive the culottes, banana boat rides, and bizarre adventures of Barb and Star.
- Funko Pop! Movies: Barb and Star – Barb: Add this adorable Funko Pop! figure of Barb to your collection and celebrate the film’s iconic characters.
- Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar – Movie Poster: Decorate your space with the vibrant and whimsical official movie poster, capturing the essence of Barb and Star’s vacation adventure.
- Culottes – Inspired by Barb and Star: Experience the comfort and style that started it all! Culottes are back in style!
🎧 Soundtrack
Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Guilty” – performed by Barbra Streisand feat. Barry Gibb
- “Edgar’s Prayer” – performed by Jamie Dornan
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Filming primarily took place at the Hyatt Zilara Cancun in Mexico, which doubled as the Vista Del Mar resort. Some scenes were also shot in locations to resemble the Midwest.
The film is rated PG-13 for crude humor, sexual references, and some drug content. While not explicitly inappropriate, some of the humor may not be suitable for younger children. Parents should consider the content warnings before allowing their children to watch.
Jamie Dornan performs the now iconic seagull love song in the film. It was his choice to tear his shirt off at the end of the song.
🔥 Bonus Content
BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR – Behind the scenes with Commentary
Ever wonder how they came up with that hilarious ‘ugly dance’ scene? This behind-the-scenes video with commentary gives you the inside scoop from Jamie Dornan, Kristen Wiig, and Annie Mumolo themselves! Honestly, their creative process is just as quirky as the movie!
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