As unsuspecting hosts of the show, Cameron and Sydney perfectly play their roles as ditzy, vapid Millennials consumed by social media, TV trends, and network news. Both are Full Moon veterans, Cameron having parts in the dark unfinished soap opera Ravenwolf Towers and Weedjies: Halloweed Night. Sydney has been in almost everything Band has made since 2005’s Gingerdead Man. However, during the centerpiece of the movie, which is the interview with John Reinke, the two let their guard down. They reveal their real personalities outside of the push-up bras and spandex as Reinke says some things about the whole Tiger King experience we haven’t heard before.
“…Cameron and Sydney perfectly play their roles…”
The big surprise, though, comes from Band’s unapologetic political commentary, in which he relentlessly mocks the president. After all, Charles Band is not known for his social messages, though it could be argued that making films on his own terms for as long as he has is a political statement of its own. Regardless, his dislike of the Trump administration is very apparent, proving that even filmmakers who champion nudity, gore, and exploitation can have their hearts in the right place.
Barbie & Kendra Save the Tiger King won’t change the world, nor is it meant to. It merely exists to entertain us while we’re cooped up in lockdown. On that level, it does a great job. The next one – and there’s sure to be a next one – looks extremely promising.
"…even filmmakers who champion nudity, gore, and exploitation can have their hearts in the right place."
