Sociable Movie Guy
REVIEWS
A Fun and Hilariously Acted Espionage FilmI first noticed the existence of this film about a month ago from watching its trailer. My reaction was mixed; I was intrigued knowing that the film is another collaboration of Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy. Both were involved in my so-far-all-time-favorite comedy film, ‘Bridesmaids’. Looking at the trailer, I was also not so sure about the quality of the film because it looked mediocre. It turns out that you just can’t believe of what a movie trailer gives you. ‘Spy’ is an example of a film that is better than its own trailer, which every single movie should be, and not the other way around. The story focuses on behind-the-desk and underrated CIA agent, Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy), who longs to be involved in the real on-field mission. All she wants to do is to get out of her boring life and get into the action. Being stereotyped by her surroundings, a chance finally comes for her to step out of her desk and prove to everyone that she can be the real agent. She then takes the risk and what follows not only change her work but also her entire life. Albeit its simple premise, the film is elevated by a cleverly-written script by the writer/director Paul Feig. I really like how he writes the jokes in the film. They’re not only laugh-inducing but also very witty. That in part thanks to his direction too. If it wasn’t handled by him, I bet the film would fall flat and unfunny. The jokes here are also very him, very Paul Feig, which involve high level of profanity, sexual jokes, and nasty things that you don’t usually make fun of. But trust me, they are put in a way that will make you cringe and laugh at the same time. Another thing that elevates the film is the incredible cast. As the main lead, Melissa McCarthy shines like a sun in the morning. She manages to give her character layers of personality that truly makes her a human. One time she can be vulnerable and self-doubting. The other time she kicks ass, literally and figuratively. Above it all, she is really, really funny! What she does in the film can only be done by her. I bet it would be a mess if her character was portrayed by someone else. I personally think she’s a lock for, if not winning, a Golden Globe nomination in the comedy category. Jason Statham and Rose Byrne deserve some credit too for creating the film’s charm. As Rick Ford, Statham plays against his own stereotype. He portrays a dumb CIA agent that sees himself as way greater than he actually is. Meanwhile, Byrne is playing Rayna Boyanev, the obnoxious and spoiled villain who likes to mock people right in front of their faces. Spotlight should also be pointed to Miranda Hart. She plays Nancy, Cooper’s reckless best friend who always gives Cooper what she needs the most: encouragement. The performances from Jude Law as a narcissistic agent Bradley Fine and Bobby Cannavale as a dazzling villain Sergio De Luca just add to the quality of the film. I don’t know if Feig is a feminist or not, except for the fact that his last three movies as a director feature women as the lead characters. What I know for sure is he has a knack in capturing authenticity in friendship between women. That skill is apparent in one of the best scenes of this film, which involves Cooper and Nancy talking about Karen Walker (gracefully played by Morena Baccarin), a top-rank woman CIA agent behind her back. That particular scene really reminds me of a similar hilarious scene in ‘Bridesmaids’, where Kristen Wiig’s and Maya Rudolph’s characters chatting over coffees. Overall, ‘Spy’ may not offer something new to the genre. But the film is boosted by its smart script and exceptional performances from the ensemble. And that is more than enough to make you entertained and satisfied. Score: 4/5
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
July 2018
Categories
All
AuthorA self-acclaimed movie guy who likes to socialize |