The Film
Despite a film career that Wikipedia dates back to the 1998 short God, Melissa McCarthy didn't really make a big splash on the big screen until 2011's raunchy comedy Bridesmaids. Her role as Megan wasn't huge, but it was definitely memorable -- and not just because she pooped in a sink.
That character was rude, crude and certainly pushed the envelope for lady behavoir on the big screen. Now, can you imagine if Megan had her own movie? That's sort of what you're getting with Identity Thief.
However, here McCarthy plays Diane, a con artist who preys on a guy named Sandy Patterson (a very Michael Bluth-esque Jason Bateman). From there, she uses her newfound name and credit cards to buy clothes, makeovers and drinks for a rather crowded bar. She also uses it to get arrested. Laughing yet?
Well, there's a running joke about the name Sandy, because it's kind of girlie. There are also plenty of sadistic moments. (I'm ashamed to admit that I let out a laugh when Sandy beaned Diane with a George Foreman grill, but I felt that I was owed something for sitting through this.)
Now, Sandy isn't the only one that Diane has screwed over. So he convinces her to flee with him in an effort to save his job and his identity and trick Diane into getting what's coming to her. Of course, during the duo's road trip, the two bond and hijinks ensue. It seems that Diane is just terribly misunderstood. Or is she? Director Seth Gordon (Horrible Bosses) seems to want to wrap everything up in a nice Hollywood ending. However, sometimes an asshole is just an asshole. If Diane could just be Diane, maybe the movie would have been a lot funnier.
Nah, nothing could make this movie any funnier.
McCarthy is talented. Unfortunately, you would not know that from this movie. Her character is mean and watching her car dance to "Milkshake," make loud, scary love to a stanger (Eric Stonestreet), and take an erotic bath is downright embarassing. The film also wastes Jon Favreau, Robert Patrick and the rapper T.I. Breaking Bad's Jonathan Banks also appears for about two seconds.
Even with all of the bad reviews, I wanted to like Identity Thief/ The cast is extremely talented and I figured my expectations would be low enough. Nothing is lower than this.
Want to steal a little more info about this movie? Check out Tom Fugalli's theatrical review of Identity Thief.
The Picture
Identity Thief is a new movie, so it shouldn't be too surprising that it has an impressive 2.35:1 transfer. There's a slight bit of crush, but the colors are strong overall. Skintones look great and Melissa McCarthy's presence is particularly colorful, what with her big hair, bright makeup and loud clothing. There's also some nice detail going on here, in McCarthy, as well as the reflection on the gas station window, and in Robert Patrick's funky facial hair. Unlike the movie, this image doesn't disappoint.
The Sound
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is a different story. It's not that it's bad, but it's certainly nothing special -- and that's what makes it so disappointing. There's a lot going on in this film. It's filled to the brim with mayhem, but it just doesn't pack the same punch to the throat that Melissa McCarthy gives to Jason Bateman multiple times in this film. The sound is fine overall, with clear dialogue throughout. However, with the exception of one major car chase, it's not the immersive experience that it should be.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
It probably isn't fair to blame Melissa McCarthy for the crap that is this movie. There are a lot of famous faces here and both Jason Bateman and director Seth Gordon have set the bar high, because they're coming off the blockbuster comedy, Horrible Bosses. However, McCarthy is certainly given the grunt work and the spotlight. In other words, it's all about her. Between her and the rest of the cast, there's certainly a ton of talent here. However, despite a decent AV package, Identity Thief will leave you feeling robbed.
Product Details
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