Review by Timothy Austin
The new James Bond inspired comedy Spy reinforces why Melissa McCarthy is the greatest female comedian of our time. Best known for her Oscar-nominated role in 2011’s Bridesmaids and the hit CBS comedy “Mike and Molly,” McCarthy and an all-star cast that includes veteran actor Jude Law and Box Office king Jason Statham, join forces as CIA agents to stop the sale of a nuclear weapon.
Due to a series of unfortunate events, including the sudden death of a lead spy, McCarthy is thrust from her lowly desk job as a CIA analyst to the dangerous and covert position as a field operative. What happens next results in the most hilarious storyline ever put on film. Spy is a rip-roaring comedy/adventure guaranteed to leave moviegoers rolling in the aisles. Here are five reasons to drop whatever you’re doing and see it now:
- The plot is ‘laugh until it hurts’ funny
Many studios have attempted to combine the spy caper genre with slap-stick comedy with varying degrees of success including the Johnny English movies starring British
comedian Rowan Atkinson better known as Mr. Bean. These films have had minimal success but cannot be compared to the tour-de-force comedic writing in Spy. What really impressed me was the absolute dedication of the writers to deliver hilarious scenarios without any lulls in the plot. I guarantee moviegoers will never become bored as McCarthy goes undercover with the most dangerous members of the criminal underworld resulting in comical bits in which she almost crashes a billion dollar private jet, accidentally maims about a dozen bad guys, jumps on to a moving helicopter with Jason Statham hanging from her bosom and wrecks public property on a mini-scooter. Without a doubt this is one of the best written comedies in years on par with Bridesmaids.
- Jason Statham surprises!
Statham is a household name for his big budget, commercially successful action films including fan favourites like Crank and the Expendables film series. However, in Spy he transforms into an over-the-top CIA agent with an over-inflated ego who is obsessed with bragging about his near death experiences. Statham almost steals the show from McCarthy as he delivers one hilarious one-liner after the other. Long-time fans of the action star will be shocked at his witty line delivery, amazing comic timing and fantastic ability for physical slap-stick comedy. Indeed, few would imagine Statham in this role as his fanatical behaviour results in one of the most entertaining comedic performances of 2015.
- Supporting cast is impressive
What is particularly enjoyable about this film is that everyone is on their game. Beyond McCarthy’s fantastic performance and Statham’s hilarious role, the rest of the supporting cast is absolutely fantastic. Rose Byrne, who starred alongside McCarthy in Bridesmaids and had a significant role in X-Men: First Class, delivers one of the best performances of her career as the diva-like Raina who attempts to sell the stolen nuclear weapon. The scenes between her and McCarthy will leave moviegoers breathless with laughter as the two share perfect comedic timing. Jude Law delivers many hilarious bits spoofing James Bond as Bradley Fine and Allison Janney, who is enjoying success in the CBS series “Mom,” is fantastic as the hard-knocks but compassionate Head of the CIA. However, the most impressive supporting role belongs to the lesser known English actress Miranda Hart who becomes McCarthy’s side-kick as CIA analyst Nancy. Hart also shares amazing comic timing with McCarthy as the two get caught up in some of the most amusing scenarios since Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker in the Rush Hour movies. I particularly enjoyed Hart’s rip-roaring scene with veteran rapper 50 Cent; it’s the sort of unlikely pairing between a geeky British woman and a rugged American rapper that will leave moviegoers howling with laughter. Indeed, Hart steals the show as the underdog who delivers big results.
- Overall fantastic production
Everything in Spy looks, sounds and feels fantastic. Most of the storyline takes place in Paris, because of course that is where one would try to sell a nuclear weapon. As a result, we see some truly awe-inspiring views of the Louvre, Notre Dame de Paris, the Seine and of course a brilliantly lit Eiffel Tower. The musical score by Theodore Shapiro also scores high points as he spoofs most of John Barry’s classical score for the James Bond films with a dash of John Williams’ soaring string compositions from Star Wars. Indeed, the high production values of the film perfectly complement the fantastic performances of the actors.
- McCarthy delivers the greatest performance of her career!
As entertaining as the plot and supporting characters sound, nothing can compare to the side-splitting performance of Melissa McCarthy. This is an actress at the peak of her career delivering a truly brilliant performance. Indeed she is so good in Spy one can only compare her to the greats like Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. Her transformation from a low confidence desk employee to a stunningly dressed and witty spy is truly something to behold. McCarthy delivers a charming performance especially as she finds the confidence to rebel from what society expects and takes a chance to truly live dangerously. Whether you are fan or not, by the end of Spy you will probably have a tear in your eye in admiration of McCarthy’s truly award-deserving performance. She seamlessly moves from hilarious physical comedy to witty one-liners and is truly impressive when she shares the screen with Statham’s manic character. If there is one reason to see Spy it is McCarthy’s awe-inspiring performance which is guaranteed to leave fans of truly rip-roaring comedy fully satiated. Indeed the comedian will attract more awards recognition with this career defining performance.
Whether you are a fan of comedy or not, Spy is a must-see movie simply because everyone will be talking about it. Without a doubt it is the best comedy of 2015 with the kind of performances that are rare. The combination of McCarthy and Statham will have moviegoers grabbing their sides in laughter. I cannot recommend this film enough; it truly is one of the greatest comedies of our time with McCarthy further establishing herself as comedic genius. Indeed, somewhere Lucille Ball is looking on and saying ‘well done, well done’.
Next review: Jurassic World
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