Making light of the all too familiar situation surrounding identity theft, Seth Gordon's R-rated comedy contains the usual hits and misses that have been commonplace in the genre. But Gordon has one thing that very few adult comedies have...Melissa McCarthy.
Taking the reins in her first big screen leading role since 2011's Bridesmaids, McCarthy steals the show as Florida resident Diane, a lost soul who thrives on taking the lives (and identities) of others. Her latest victim is Denver citizen Sandy Bigelow Patterson (Jason Bateman), a family man who struggles to make ends meet as he works to care for his wife and kids. But while geographic limitations attempt to keep these two apart, fate (and crime) has other things in store.
Bearing a strong on-screen chemistry and a thorough understanding for each other's space, McCarthy and Bateman work flawlessly together. Each appears to truly understand the other's comedic tactics, doing well to share the screen and thus keep your attention throughout the entire film. And it is a good thing too"”the duo are often left alone on the screen as the movie follows their cross-country adventure.
But that isn't to say that the outside world is left alone. A hilarious adventure at a small town hotel provides for countless laughs as McCarthy's Diane flirts with a man to grab hold of his wallet"”and his dignity. The R-rating helps both actors perform without much hesitation as Identity Thief continues to go where you never expect it to venture. But, in hindsight, that's in large part why the film works so well.
While the emotional play towards the end was expected from the very beginning, it was still a bit of a downer when it came to fruition. Sure, there has to be an end to the story, but Identity Thief hits you over the head with its character transformation as you begin to question whether you're watching a movie or a gigantic sized episode of Extreme Makeover: Character Edition. On top of that, you can't help but walk out of the theater pondering just how much of a sucker Sandy Patterson really is.
