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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week.


Identity Thief
Starring: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy, Amanda Peet, Robert Patrick, and John Cho
Synopsis: A decade ago a dramedy called “Gilmore Girls” was a modest hit on the short-lived WB Network. There among the cast was Melissa McCarthy playing the good-hearted, wacky chef Sookie. Sookie was the kind of part that rounded out the ensemble but could easily fade into the background. McCarthy, however, wasn’t one to fade into the background. After headlining her own sitcom — the CBS hit “Mike and Molly” — beginning in 2010 and enjoying the breakout performance of her career in 2011’s “Bridesmaids,” McCarthy’s star has never shown brighter. She again puts her unique comedic talents on display in “Identity Thief,” where her wacky character squares off against consummate straight man Jason Bateman. It’s a pairing that works well and leads to plenty of laughs and a little bit of heart. Bateman and McCarthy are two talented comedians near the top of their game. When combined with a cast that includes a number of other talented performers — including John Cho, Peet, Patrick and Jon Favreau — you have the makings of a successful and amusing film. Of course it’s not hard to figure out where this film is going. The trailer gives a pretty good impression of some of the bigger plot points, and it’s easy to see how the characters goals change over the course of the film. It starts out as a big, broad comedy but slowly morphs into something a little more heart-warming. Along the way, Bateman and McCarthy do an excellent job of carrying the broad strokes and more emotional moments of the film. There are plenty of laughs and a nice resolution tacked onto the film. This isn’t the best of these kind of comedies. It doesn’t rise to the level of a “Bridesmaids,” but it is entertaining and hits all the right notes. The lead performers make it work and the film accomplishes what it sets out to do. For director Seth Gordon (“Four Christmases,” “Horrible Bosses”) this feels like a step forward as he hones his skills, voice and storytelling ability. This is the best of his comedy features, and arguably the most successful after its huge opening weekend numbers. McCarthy is a true talent and “Identity Thief” is further proof she’s here to stay.
Rating: R for sexual content and language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Today — "A Good Day to Die Hard," "Beautiful Creatures," "Safe Haven," "Escape From Planet Earth"

Friday, February 22 — "Snitch," "Dark Skies"