Since I will be reviewing "The Kitchen" this week which Melissa McCarthy is top-billed in, I should review a film starring one of the most polarizing actresses in recent memory. It was tricky picking out just one film to review, but I settled on what I believe is one of the most funniest films I have seen in recent years. "Spy" centres around Susan Cooper, a desk-bound CIA assistant, who is the only one in the agency to capture a stolen nuclear device after all field agents are exposed, leaving Susan to use her wit and training to save the day. It's your typical spy thriller plot, but with an extreme dose of comedy ranging from slapstick, vulgar, to situational humour. Most of the jokes surprisingly hit the mark due to the clever and witty writing, as well as the film not taking the concept seriously. Of course Susan is going to be given lame gadgets and identities, of course she will hurt or humiliate herself during chase scenes, that's the charm of the film. If you can't stand it, then you are taking the film way too seriously and really think that you are watching a serious James Bond-like film.
Melissa McCarthy plays Susan like no one else could. I know people who both adore or hate McCarthy and I can think that it's due to her filmography. Many people are not a fan of the slapstick/vulgar comedy as well as the typecast role of being either a clumsy fool, an arrogant annoyance, or both. Sure, some films that star her aren't great, but others aren't bad ether. It really depends on the writing that can use these cliched or typical roles enjoyable. In this case, Susan isn't really generic. The movie shows that she had trained to be a spy and is capable of doing great as a field agent, her flaws are just her insecurities and her figure. She had an arrogant side to her, but she always kept it hidden since she was too shy to speak out to her superiors. Now that she is on the field, she can express herself. McCarthy overall does a fantastic job. Jason Statham portrays what is supposed to be this badass agent who is really a fool and not great at his job in an over-the-top and hilarious matter. Rose Byrne is well-casted as the villain who is very bratty and brings out some good laughs thanks to the work-off of McCarthy. Lastly, Jude Law plays the top field in the agency, a typical Bond-archetype that isn't really used much in the film and only brings out a few chuckles. I also love Susan's best friend Nancy, the very horny Aldo, and 50 Cent's cameo. The cast does a great job overall with McCarthy stealing the show as usual.
Paul Feig did an awesome job directing and writing the film. I know people give him slack for the "Ghostbusters" reboot, but outside of that film, most of his other works prove that he's a talented, comedic director. Not only does the cinematography capture the streets of Paris, Rome, and Budapest in Susan's perspective, but the action sequences were well-made and edited for a comedy film. Feig's script blends the spy and comedy genre perfectly as it's not a complete spoof or parody like "Austin Powers". People could watch this movie if they are looking for pure comedy or even a spy-action flick. So, I consider this Feig's best film to date. Some might say "Bridesmaids" or "The Heat" is his best film, but I feel that Feig perfected his comedic filmmaking in this movie with good cinematography, action, lighting, and editing.
Overall, "Spy" is in my opinion the best film that starts Melissa McCarthy as the leading role to date. With great comedy, fun action scenes, hilarious cast of characters, and the perfected use of Feig's handiwork, this is the film I bring up if people say that movies with McCarthy are never good or if they don't know which film in her career to start watching. If you are planning to watch it, I recommend getting the Unrated Cut, which is on Blu-Ray or on digital stores, since there are a few more jokes left out of the theatrical cut that I really wished they left in.
Verdict: 9/10. It seems too high for some, but this is how much I really found the film both charming and entertaining to me as a comedy in recent years.
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