Sandy Kenyon's Review: Spy
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Melissa McCarthy is the queen of comedy on the big screen right now, and that's not to say every one of her movies is hysterical, but her rate of success is higher than almost anyone else.
If you measure a movie in laughs per minute, this is the funniest film so far this year. And if you loved McCarthy as a "Bridesmaid," then you should embrace her as a "Spy." Eeven though her new role is not quite as funny as her breakout part, it is still hilarious.
'Susan Cooper' is helping field agents from a basement at the CIA when her guy, played by Jude Law, goes missing while looking for a portable nuke under the control of Rose Byrne's character.
Jason Statham has fun playing with his macho image and Alison Janney makes the most of her role as a boss when, thru an unlikely set of circumstances, 'Susan' gets to go undercover.
Her best routines are too raunchy to be repeated here, which is why "Spy" is rated R, but no matter how risque the material or harsh her language becomes, what elevates the film is her vulnerability.
"Spy" is a spoof of those old bond films and, like them, there's no shortage of action here. At times, director Paul Feeg can't quite decide if this is an action adventure or a comedy, but at its heart is a gifted funny woman who works really hard to make this fun for everyone.
My wife Eileen, who is no fan of broad comedy (and she's a much tougher critic than I am), really liked this one, and she calls "Spy" a "great date movie!" This is a picture where the jokes fly so fast 'n furious. You almost want to see it again to get all the gags.
