Watch Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King

Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King is a comedy film that emerged during the time when the world was captivated by the wild and outrageous Netflix docu-series, Tiger King. The movie is a satirical take on the phenomenon and delves into the vibrant pop-culture landscape that the documentary left in its wake. With the rampant popularity of Tiger King in 2020, the film finds a timely niche that blends elements of the documentary's themes with an over-the-top narrative structure and character portrayals, poking fun at the reality TV tropes that audiences became incredibly familiar with.

The movie stars Patrick Bristow, William Butler, Cody Renee Cameron, and Russell Coker, each bringing in their comedic talents to a story that is as bizarre as it is a playful lampoon. Cody Renee Cameron plays Barbie, and Robin Sydney appears as Kendra, two bubbly and somewhat air-headed protagonists whose escapades lead them to a makeshift undertaking as amateur detectives.

After their previous adventure in the movie "Corona Zombies," Barbie and Kendra find themselves navigating the aftermath of their previous misadventure, facing the "new normal" of a world struck by a pandemic. However, their mundane reality is disrupted when they discover the plight of a certain "Tiger King," who has found himself in some peculiar and troubling circumstances—as depicted in the real-world docu-series.

Inspired by a mix of conspiracy theories and sheer whimsicality, the girls take it upon themselves to embark on a mission to save the Tiger King. At its heart, the movie is a campy and absurd rescue mission that does not take itself too seriously. The characters Barbie and Kendra embody the spirit of naïveté and earnestness that is needed for any protagonist in a pseudo-heroic quest, particularly one that seems as outlandish as rescuing a figure like the Tiger King.

Patrick Bristow plays a mysterious government agent who fuels the girls' quest with inscrutable counsel and an array of conspiracy theories, further adding to the absurdity of the situation. The characters they meet along their journey are caricatures, embodying the exotic animal zoo community and adding more humor and escapade to the story.

The film's comedic style relies heavily on visual gags, slapstick, and camp. The low-budget aesthetic creates a charming yet surreal atmosphere that plays into the film's narrative. The way the story is crafted, it hints at a self-aware meta-commentary on the bizarre fascination the public had with not only Tiger King but the entire cast of characters involved in the real-life occurrences. The movie straddles a fine line between outright mockery and an endearing tribute to the unique cultural moment it seeks to encapsulate.

Director Charles Band, known for his work in cult cinema, employs his characteristic touch of blending genres and exploiting the absurd. Band's direction ensures that the film stays energized and doesn't slow down, keeping pace with the chaotic energy of the Tiger King subject matter.

The screenplay teems with references to the actual Tiger King series, as well as topical jokes about the pandemic and quarantine life, as it follows the main characters through a series of ridiculous scenarios. This is very much a film with a specific target audience in mind—those who are fans of the Tiger King saga and enjoy a particular brand of humor that involves irony, self-referential jokes, and a touch of absurdity.

The colorful, almost cartoonish world that Barbie and Kendra reside within becomes the perfect playground for the story to unfold. The dynamics between the characters are intentionally exaggerated, giving rise to funny interactions and moments that keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace.

It's worth noting that aside from its comedic slant, Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King is not trying to present any profound commentary or explore deep character arcs. The movie focuses on its comedic and entertainment value, delivering an experience that some might find as an enjoyable diversion and others as a strange and perplexing piece of cinema.

Overall, Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King is a comedic film that marries oddball characters with a cultural phenomenon that took the world by storm. It offers a narrative that celebrates the absurd while providing a light-hearted escape, especially for viewers looking for humor amid the turbulent year that was 2020.

Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King is a 2020 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 13 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 2.3.