Finally, I can say I have something in common with 50 Cent, we’re both fans of the star of Spy, Melissa McCathy. McCarthy is probably one of the funniest comedians around today, male or female, she’s just funny.
Watch her in the out-takes for This is 40 if you’re still questioning her validity as a comedian. The woman is brilliant at ad-libbing (is that how you spell it?). Her comedic timing is impeccable, and is always that interesting combination of Sugar and Spice. And in Spy, she delivers what she’s so lovingly known for.
The trailer basically tells you what the movie is about. So, I won’t go into detail and ruin it for you.
There are some surprising elements to this movie, and the standout for me is Jason Statham. Who essentially plays a caricature of his type casted roles. Who knew Statham could be funny? Some of the best laughs happen when Statham and McCarthy share the screen. The hate/disrespect/resentment between their characters, Susan Cooper and Rick Ford is the highlight of this movie. And something that is downplayed, or even forgotten in the trailer.
The funniest moments in the movie are not in the trailer, thankfully. This movie has more to offer than that. Phew… I was really tentative about this movie. As always, I was initially quite excited at the prospect of a McCarthy movie, but it was obvious that she was the star, the one anchoring the movie, with Jude Law, Jason Statham and Rose Byrne all playing second fiddle. I didn’t know if McCathy was a big enough star to do it. Especially after the Tammy incident. We’ll call that bad judgement.
In Spy, McCathy has proved that she is very much an A-list movie star who is bankable. And with a great ensemble cast who have portrayed their characters with great enthusiasm, love and enjoyment, Spy is a movie definitely worth watching.
I have to mention the beautiful villain Rayna (Rose Byrne) and oh so sleazy douchebag Aldo (Peter Serafinowicz, I know him as the super rich incompetent Lord from Parks and Rec), they are two very funny characters. Bryne has proven that she can be funny, but it’s always surprising for me to see her in a comedy. Just watch her run, it’s hilarious and the epitome of every barbie type girl I know. Serafinowicz has some of the best pickup lines ever uttered on screen. Please, do not try them at home, he’s a professional.
For all you Kung Fury fans out there, he’s back! (Kung Fury review: https://ranterandbanter.com/2015/05/30/kung-fury-so-bad-its-very-very-good/)
This is a fun movie, that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s not going to win any awards, but it is utterly enjoyable and quite charming. Men, take your women to see it, because it will get you brownie points. Women, take your men to see it, because it’s funny to watch Statham and McCarthy interact with each other.
Keep your expectations at The Heat level of enjoyment, and you’ll be fine. If you’re thinking True Lies, then, you’re in trouble.
Rating: 7/10, it’s enjoyable, light hearted and has a lot of swearing. Right up my ally, but not so much for my much more sensible and less “colourful” boyfriend. I don’t normally think it’s funny when people curse, but this combination of people swearing, it’s funny.
See it again: Maybe, if someone asks me, I might. Unsure at this stage.
Worth my time: Definitely, this movie made me feel good when I was watching it, and it made me feel good afterwards. If McCarthy can run up stairs and be ok, so can I. Time to hit the gym and do some combat!
Take my mother: Yes, I think mum will like the girl power aspect of the movie. And dad will like the Statham part of the movie. The language may be a little crass for mum, but it’s cool. She’ll deal.
Talking points: Statham is the standout of this movie. I wonder if he came up with some of his own lines, or was it all scripted. I’ll look into it. It was rather brilliant how he would just talk and talk.
Annoyance factor: 3/10, the movie was rather predictable, but, it didn’t bother me all that much. It was billed as a fun movie, and that’s what it delivered. A few surprising performances, but that just added to the charm of the movie.
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