Identity Thief

 

Kmac: 

Sometimes reading others reviews before watching a movie is a bad idea, she says as she writes the review. Going into this movie, which as a Melissa McCartney fan I was originally very excited about, I wasn’t sure what to think. I had read plenty of reviews when the film first hit theaters about why this movie was insulting to women or how the laughs were generated from McCartney’s size and not her talent. I spent the whole movie waiting for the moment that would have spurred all these reviews and in the end I came up empty. Maybe I just didn’t see it but I spent an entire funny movie hunting an insult I never found.

The movie is funny. A note for anyone who likes McCartney from TV the humor in this film is not the same as on CBS or sweet Sookie St. James from Gilmore Girls. This is a raunchy movie more in the style of Bridesmaids, if Bridesmaids involved a female criminal and car chases. I’ve never had a problem with this style of humor and so I welcomed this latest trend of female stars encroaching on what was once a boys club. Still fair warning for the less profanity inclined.

One problem I was anticipating was that McCartney’s performance would feel too close to what she had done in Bridesmaids. I don’t know why I doubted her. Her character for almost the entire movie gives you no reason to root for her and yet her performance makes you want to know how this woman ended up where she is as a thief and hope for her redemption. There is genuine hurt you feel for this woman with few friends or relationships. The Florida blue eye shadow and mega perm don’t help. You don’t want her to end up with Jason Bateman’s character, who is married and thankfully the movie doesn’t go there, but you want her to find happiness.

Jason Bateman also is wonderful doing his thing as straight man to her zany antics. His reactions make the jokes funnier and when he does snap to join the craziness it is always good. Though I about had a lawyer heart attack about some of his plans once I accepted the reality of the movie it was fun. This movie is basically a road trip film with these two characters getting to know each other better. These two actors made it a pleasure to watch.

I would recommend this movie as a good Friday night Redbox. At the end of a long week sometimes you just need to laugh at others misfortune.

I give this movie 4 out of 5 makeovers to wash the Florida out. * No offense to Florida but you know there are some truly unfortunate people coming out of your Walmarts.*