By JOHN BONNAZO
COPY EDITOR
Though it is not up to par with some of the best comedies of recent years, Identity Thief still makes for a hilarious night at the movies. It also proves that Melissa McCarthy is one of the best comedic actresses working today.
The story centers on Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman, The Change-Up), a working stiff living with his family in Denver trying to make ends meet at a new job. His life is turned upside down when his identity is stolen by a con artist named Diana (McCarthy, Bridesmaids), who uses his information to make extravagant purchases. To avoid having to go to jail for Diana’s crimes, he journeys to Florida to find her and bring her to justice. Their journey is complicated, however, both because Diana has other bail bondsmen and mob heavies after her for other crimes, and also because she and Sandy often come to blows. The two make scenes in restaurants and also have an unpleasant encounter in a hotel room. Thankfully, though, the entire journey does lead to a satisfying ending.
Director Seth Gordon improves dramatically on his last effort, the aptly named Horrible Bosses, with this much funnier film. He marshals the action effectively so the various plots do not get too confusing, and he also makes sure the jokes land. Craig Mazin’s script has a little bit too much bathroom and sexual humor, but there are enough one-liners for the two leads that this is forgivable. Bateman is a charismatic protagonist; we want him to succeed because he is a nice guy, and he has great chemistry with his adversary.
As that adversary, Melissa McCarthy is a comic force of nature. She gives the movie all she’s got, landing every line and executing every physical gag for maximum effect. This may not quite match her brilliant, Oscar-nominated work in Bridesmaids, but McCarthy commits to this role just as much. She steals the show, staking her claim as one of the funniest women in Hollywood today.
Identity Thief is a highly enjoyable film with big laughs, and boasting one of today’s great comic talents. Let Melissa McCarthy steal your $10-you will not regret it!