In Review: "Spy"

This James Bond/spy movie parody does somethings right and some things wrong.

The Story

Did you know that every spy has a person walking their every move and telling them what to do? That's why they look so cool.

In this version, the James-Bond-esque Bradley Fine (Jude Law) is helped out by Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) from a desk in an office far, far away from the action. Unexpectedly, Susan is called upon to enter into an undercover mission to stop a mass catastrophe, getting her out from behind the desk and into the frying pan. Along the way, we meet the femme fatale (Rose Byrne), the bad-ass hardcore agent (Jason Statham), another friendly fellow deskie (Miranda Hart) and the boss woman (Allison Janney).

The Stars

My very favorite person in this whole movie was Jason Statham. He's in The Fast and Furious movies. He's in The Transporter movies. Everyone knows him as a bad-ass. But this movie lets him have a lot of fun and it turns out to be really, really funny. His character thinks he's got this down and he is the only man for the job, but it is actually that he is the worst man for the job.

Melissa McCarthy is still stuck in this "fat girl" troupe. Throughout the movie there are digs at her size and how because of her size she is ugly, lonely and probably lives with a lot of cats. This troupe is so overused, I got really tired of it. After all, McCarthy is a much better comedian than that! Near the end of the film, she gets to let her one-liners and snarky comebacks out (the ones that MADE "The Heat", her movie with Sandra Bullock). Near the end, she gets to be the woman for the job and the only one who knows what the hell is going on. Though I appreciate letting McCarthy's character evolve, the fat jokes are getting old people. I'm glad that at least this wasn't another "Tammy".

The Message

There is always someone behind the star who is making the star who the world believes they are. Sometimes they are not the prettiest or most popular of people, but they are really good at what they do. Obviously, or the world wouldn't think so highly of these stars.

I love this idea that super spies do actually nothing on their own. All of their cool moves and lines are all fed to them by the real brains on the inside. And they are the people who deserve the praise. But Susan Cooper did one thing that they probably haven't. She stepped out of her comfort zone (for a guy- but I'm ignoring that), and did something she had never done before. And that's when she got to know her own strength and her own awesomeness.

Overall

I recommend to rent this one on a night when you need to laugh a little. Not lot- just a little.

It's a fun parody on the spy movie, but nothing to write home about. Though Jason Statham's performance may be worth watching the entire movie.

1.5 out of 4 Spies