Thursday, May 21, 2015

Review of SPY: Marvellous McCarthy

May 21, 2015



Since she started working for the CIA, homely and obese Agent Susan Cooper has been content to be the unseen and unheralded desk support partner of superspy Bradley Fine. In one operation gone wrong, Raina Boyanov, a ruthless international nuclear arms dealer, takes down Fine and threatens all the known CIA field agents. Knowing her anonymity is the CIA's best option, Cooper volunteers to track Boyanov down. From there, Cooper awkwardly and fumblingly goes around Europe disguised as frumpy matrons in order to stop Boyanov and her evil plots.

Melissa McCarthy totally owned this film as her own. In her previous films, her characters were very brash,loud and quite unlikeable. But here in "Spy", you immediately take a liking to her delightful Susan Cooper and you will be rooting for her for the whole film. Make no mistake, the familiar foul-mouthed McCarthy persona does make an appearance. But here, it is in line with her undercover spy duties.

Even if the marvellous physical comedy skills of Melissa McCarthy is front and center on display here, you also cannot ignore the comedic talent displayed by the other actors in the cast, many of whom are more known for dramatic roles. 

Rose Byrne was so on point as the mega-snooty Raina Boyanov, so funny in her straight-faced over-the-top alpha-bitchy mode. The rich comedic rapport McCarthy and Byrne had with each other as mortal nemeses certainly buoyed the middle act. It was so surprising that this glamourous actress is not averse to physical comedy, as evidenced by Byrne's comically painful scene as her character was pinned down under two heavy-set men while her private plane was having anti-gravity issues. 

My unexpected favorite in the cast is Jason Statham and his uncharacteristic portrayal of abrasive CIA Agent Rick Ford. We usually see him as the strong and silent macho hero taking up the cudgels of the oppressed in his many action films. He is still strong and macho, but whoa, Statham is definitely NOT silent here! This must be the first time I have heard him deliver lines in mile-a-minute speed as he proudly relates his many incredible career exploits. Never thought Statham could ever be funny. I really enjoyed his scenes.

Jude Law was right in his element as Bradley Fine, a suave, tuxedo-clad secret agent and charming ladykiller. Allison Janney plays Cooper's no-nonsense boss Elaine Crocker. Gangsterish Bobby Cannavale plays the glamorous terrorist De Luca. Tall and mousy-looking Miranda Hart plays Nancy, Susan's supportive friend and co-worker in their rat-infested CIA basement. Roguish-looking Peter Serafinowicz plays Aldo, Susan's overly amorous Italian backup agent. All of them stood out in their respective portrayals, helping McCarthy generate more laughs in their scenes together.

This is the third time writer-director Paul Feig is working with his favorite actress Melissa McCarthy. In "Bridesmaids" (MY REVIEW), McCarthy was funny as part of an ensemble of comediennes. In "The Heat" (MY REVIEW), she was funnier, sharing the screen with Sandra Bullock. In "Spy", McCarthy is the funniest she has ever been. 8/10.


23 comments:

  1. I saw the trailer for this while in the movies and while I just love Jason and I love McCarthy, I don't think I'll be seeing this. I'll be waiting for it to come on Netflix. :)

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  2. I haven't heard much about this movie.... but major superficial moment there when I see 'JUDE LAW'. Haha, I'm gonna watch this!

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  3. I saw the banner but never intend to watch film like this...I'm lying..ha..ha..I love spy movie but not in a comic tone. Jason Statham, with this review, I'm considering it. Thanks Fred.

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  4. I wasn't planning to watch this, but perhaps I should... wasn't a fan of slapstick nor Jason Statham. Neither do I really like Bridesmaid... but maybe I should try watching... just maybe..

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  5. This looks like a nice movie! Who would've thought an American comedy could be good once again! :D

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  6. Sounds like a movie full of fun. I would like to see this.

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  7. Jason Statham is in the film, enough said haha. An 8/10 rating?! Definitely going to see this one!

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  8. I was surprised to see Jason Statham when I saw the trailer - it just didn't seem like a Jason Statham movie to me but I guess it should be good. And, it's nice to know that he isn't "silent" in this movie. I look forward to watching this.

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  9. I’ve loved spy movies ever since I watched the Bourne series. I’m looking forward to seeing this one as well.

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  10. This sounds like a great film! Huge fan of Jason Statham so will definitely be checking this film out!

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  11. McCarthy is such a talented woman with great sense of humor. When I first saw the trailer, I knew I will have to watch this one especially that Jason Statham is in the movie too!

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  12. a funny spy movies and a positive review from you! Sounds like something I'd be happy to check out on apple movies or inflight soon :)

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  13. At first I thought Jason is in the lead role here. So, naka check list na ito for me. But, hindi pala. Nevertheless, I will see this one for a go crazy for action-comedy flick. Tipo bang yung mga Pink Panther ...

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    1. Papaleng, even if Jason Statham is not in the lead role, markado talaga ang performance niya rito. Kakaiba. Nakakatawa talaga!

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  14. This looks like a good fun movie and 8/10 is a lovely review giving me a reason to go and watch it.

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  15. I like g her story line of this one...I am sure must be a laughing riot..would definitely see it.

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  16. This one I guarantee I will watch! I love Melissa McCarthy. And I'm intrigued when you said that Jason Statham has a lot of dialogue LOL. It is true, you don't see him do these in his action movies (I've watched a couple).

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  17. This looks like a really funny movie. The actors owned their characters with their natural charm and talent.

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  18. I might watch this show because of Jude Law. I think I will enjoy the show due to him :)

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  19. Incidentally my colleagues just prodded me to watch this. I am more inclined to watch this movie now. I believe I'd enjoy watching this one.

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  20. i saw the trailer for this a few weeks ago and have been wanting to watch it. it looked hilarious!

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  21. I love spy movie.. Always keep people suspense.... And I think this one looks funny, too!

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  22. It's funny and fun to watch and Melissa McCarthy isn't annoying this time.

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