Year: 2015
Genre : Action / Comedy
Editors preface
Sometimes it's nice to take a back seat and let other folk do the dirty work. I actively encourage those amongst you who feel they have the talent, to guest review on my blog any films they get to see before I do. Here's Cara's angle on 'Spy', which we caught at Dudley Showcase last night.
Dunk
I’ll start at the beginning with the opening sequence and credits. The start of the film follows Jude Law’s character, a suave British spy much like James Bond. ‘Spy’ is a comedy film and during the opening scenes I became concerned it would be nothing more than a spoof of the Bond films. The credits succeeded in strengthening this impression with a big theme tune running alongside the typically abstract, Bond-esque shapes floating across the screen. When the main body of the film began I was relieved to see it was a comedic espionage film in its own right. Phew!
Melissa McCarthy plays desk-bound intelligence officer Susan Cooper; she is to Spy’s Jude Law what Chloe is to Jack in the brilliant series 24. Being office-based, McCarthy’s identity is unknown to the ‘baddies’, so she is sent into the field as an active agent. I won’t drop any plot spoilers, but as expected, in the end everything works out fine and dandy.
McCarthy has the lead role with a likeable character. Her facial expressions are amusing, she plays the more tender scenes honestly, and her action sequences are believable. She is a good actress and I’ll follow her career with interest. However, it is Jason Statham who steals the show. He plays an old-school spy and - surprisingly - handles a comedy performance well. In essence, his role is a parody of Statham’s tough guy image and pokes fun at himself. Miranda Hart pops up throughout the film as McCarthy’s goofy buddy. I am a big fan of Hart, but here I felt she was the weak link in the chain. Her character wasn’t integral to the plot and didn’t generate as many laughs as the others. Also, I felt slightly distracted watching her – my eyes were constantly drawn to her hair. Her thin, whispy locks have suddenly become luscious and thick. A wig, I wonder? The new hairstyle is probably part of the same game plan as her recent weight loss – a makeover to help crack America.
Cast discussion aside, the film itself is actually pretty funny. The script is witty and the story moves along at a brisk pace. I laughed out loud several times, as did everyone in the auditorium. It is directed by Paul Feig who also directed McCarthy in ‘Bridesmaids’ a few years ago. Having seen both films I could see similar themes: the female lead, the type of humour and the constant dropping of F-bombs. Despite these similarities, unlike ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Spy’ is definitely not a chick flick. At times the plot seems a little convoluted as the multiple layers of undercover double agents become almost absurd. It’s worth remembering that this isn’t a film you watch for the plot, you watch it for the jokes, and in this respect it does not disappoint. I’d happily visit the cinema to watch a sequel of this.
Melissa McCarthy plays desk-bound intelligence officer Susan Cooper; she is to Spy’s Jude Law what Chloe is to Jack in the brilliant series 24. Being office-based, McCarthy’s identity is unknown to the ‘baddies’, so she is sent into the field as an active agent. I won’t drop any plot spoilers, but as expected, in the end everything works out fine and dandy.
McCarthy has the lead role with a likeable character. Her facial expressions are amusing, she plays the more tender scenes honestly, and her action sequences are believable. She is a good actress and I’ll follow her career with interest. However, it is Jason Statham who steals the show. He plays an old-school spy and - surprisingly - handles a comedy performance well. In essence, his role is a parody of Statham’s tough guy image and pokes fun at himself. Miranda Hart pops up throughout the film as McCarthy’s goofy buddy. I am a big fan of Hart, but here I felt she was the weak link in the chain. Her character wasn’t integral to the plot and didn’t generate as many laughs as the others. Also, I felt slightly distracted watching her – my eyes were constantly drawn to her hair. Her thin, whispy locks have suddenly become luscious and thick. A wig, I wonder? The new hairstyle is probably part of the same game plan as her recent weight loss – a makeover to help crack America.
Cast discussion aside, the film itself is actually pretty funny. The script is witty and the story moves along at a brisk pace. I laughed out loud several times, as did everyone in the auditorium. It is directed by Paul Feig who also directed McCarthy in ‘Bridesmaids’ a few years ago. Having seen both films I could see similar themes: the female lead, the type of humour and the constant dropping of F-bombs. Despite these similarities, unlike ‘Bridesmaids’, ‘Spy’ is definitely not a chick flick. At times the plot seems a little convoluted as the multiple layers of undercover double agents become almost absurd. It’s worth remembering that this isn’t a film you watch for the plot, you watch it for the jokes, and in this respect it does not disappoint. I’d happily visit the cinema to watch a sequel of this.
3.5 stars out of 5.
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