Writer/Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham and Jude Law
‘A Spy-tacular Comedy’
You rarely ever come across comedies today that are surprising. Most follow a predictable plot, going in directions that you can guess from the first minute. Although comedies offer thrills and have undeniable entertainment-value, they often lack surprises. No matter how entertaining or enjoyable a film is, being able to guess the directions that it will take detracts from the movie-going experience.
Thankfully, Paul Feig’s latest action-comedy “Spy” is not that type of film. Inspired by classic James Bond, this is a fun, exhilarating and highly unpredictable comedy that’s filled with laughs from start to finish. A top-notch cast combined with a spectacular script do wonders, propelling it from being a standard comedy to something special. Lead by the scene-stealing Melissa McCarthy, each and every actor in the cast delivers the goods. Apart from star-power, “Spy” also offers witty and sharp dialogue not often seen in comedies of this day and age. What stands out the most, however, is its ability to consistently surprise. Filled with twists and turns, this is one of those comedies that is exciting to watch simply because you have no idea how it will end.
In a day and age when most movies are as predictable as the ABC’s, it’s refreshing to come across a film every once and a while that refuses to follow cliches. Although it’s story may seem familiar on paper, there are plenty of surprises along the way that make “Spy” anything but a typical comedy. Starring Melissa McCarthy in the lead role, the film follows the life of a secretary who works with a Professional Spy to fight crime in society. When her partner is tragically killed, however, she sets out on a mission to catch the culprit across the globe.
From here on in, the less said about the story the better. To reveal any more of the plot would be spoiling the surprises that are in store for movie-goers. Whether it is unexpected plot twists or revelations, “Spy” is filled with endless surprises that are better left undisclosed. All that audiences need to know, on the other hand, is that writer-director Paul Feig has crafted one hell of a hilarious comedy. Perhaps best known for 2011’s “Bridesmaids”, a highly successful film which started the trend of female-driven comedies, Feig delivers the laughs once again with “Spy”. Although the story borrows elements from spy movies of the last decade such as “Get Smart”, this is a comedy that’s unique in it’s own way. Combining over-the-top action with wonderfully witty humor, it proves (if nothing else) that Paul Feig and Melissa McCarthy were born to make movies together.
Given that “Spy” marks their third collaboration in a row, it’s no surprise that they bring out the best in one another. As a writer and director, Paul Feig has a rare gift and talent for creating slapstick humor. Instead of relying on crude humor, he uses sharp writing, brilliant actors and ridiculously over-the-top action sequences to arouse laughter. Although this may seem like an exaggeration, creativity is a dying art in the majority of comedies today. Most rely on desperate crude humor to gain the attention of audiences; however, “Spy” does not fall into this category. Filled with smart, witty and crisp dialogue, the script is one of the many reasons why the film is different from what movie-goers usually expect from comedic fare.
Besides the marvelous writing, it is unlikely that the film would be as engaging to watch if it were not for a truly committed cast of actors. Each movie-star is perfectly cast in their role, however, in the end it’s the two leads who deserve the most attention from audiences.
Is it just me or is Melissa McCarthy becoming one of the funniest actresses working in Hollywood today? “Spy” proves that she is a talent to be reckoned with. With an irresistible charm and spot-on sense of comedic timing, McCarthy steals every scene in the film. And it’s not just because of her physical appearance. Apart from looks, she has a likable nature that makes the audience side with her even in spite of her ridiculous behavior. It’s a role that seems as if it was tailor-made specifically for McCarthy, and she nails it by delivering what could possibly be the funniest performance of her career.
Whoever knew that Jason Statham could be this hilarious? Certainly not me. An action-star known for playing dead-serious and dangerous assassins, he always struck me as the kind of actor who was typecast in the same role in every film. Boy, was I wrong. With “Spy”, Statham proves that he’s not only skilled at kicking ass but also an actor who can nail comedy. Surprisingly enough, he has a gift and knack for comedic timing which he has never revealed before in any other film. If this British actor decides to deliver the laughs again, I’ll be the first one to flock to the theater to see his next film.
Yet, it’s not just Statham who deserves credit for the laughs. Each of the actors in the supporting cast, even those with minor roles, leave their mark on the film. Nobody could have played the role of a stylish spy as brilliantly as Jude Law, while Rose Byrne is uproariously funny as a woman who has no idea she is being fooled.
At a running time of 2 hours, “Spy” moves along at an energetic pace that surprisingly doesn’t lose steam. There’s not a moment when the film loses your attention, and this is mainly due to sharp jokes which consistently hit the mark. That being said, if there’s a complaint to be filed against this action-comedy not all the jokes garner laughs. Towards the second half, in particular, the jokes begin to rely too much on ‘disgust’ factor. Whether it’s body parts or sexual harassment, the gags become less funny and more offensive. This is when it seems as if the writers have run out of ideas and creativity, desperately relying on shock value to gain attention.
Regardless of these problems, I still thoroughly enjoyed “Spy”. Although this may be hard to believe, I was initially rather reluctant to see the film. Having been dragged by my relatives, I had no idea what I was in for. Nonetheless, in the end, it left a big smile on my face which has stayed with me ever since.
In a stale genre that has faced declining popularity, it’s a spy-tacular reminder comedies haven’t lost their abilities to captivate when they don’t rely exclusively on crude humor as a tool in order to tell compelling stories.
3.5/5 stars
The Film Buff 
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