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Here's a review of the new movie I saw this week.

Spy
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, and Allison Janney
Synopsis: There are two staples of the summer movie season. One is the big budget, effects-driven blockbusters. The first month of the summer season was dominated by those type of films as “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Mad Max: Fury Road,” and “San Andreas” pulled down big numbers in May. The other staple of the summer is comedies, and “Spy,” which was released on Friday, fits that bill. Just as there are two staples at the summer Box Office, there are two staples in the canon of Melisa McCarthy. The first is the mild mannered character, featured in the small screen in shows like “The Gilmore Girls” and “Mike & Molly.” The other is the brash and crude lead, which she’s done in things like “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat.” The best part about “Spy,” McCarthy’s latest leading role, is that she gets a chance to do both in the same movie. “Spy,” which comes from “Bridesmaids” and “The Heat” director Paul Feig is a funny, smart comedy that makes the most of its performers, especially McCarthy. Feig knows how to deliver a solid comedy. He’s had hits in several of the past few summer movie seasons, and “Spy” should continue that trend. It also might be his best summer comedy. “Spy,” which Feig also wrote, does a great job of parodying other spy films, most notably the James Bond franchise. The opening credit number in particular does a great job of parodying those films. This film also has a great cast. Law and Statham, known more for leading man dramatic or action roles, are great foils for McCarthy. Janney — an Emmy winner for her work on “Mom” — is great as the CIA chief here, and Byrne does a great job in the role of Rayna. One of the best scene-stealers in the film is Hart — best known for her work on “Call the Midwife” — who adds a lot to the role of Nancy. She’s got great timing, plays off McCarthy well and gets some of the best lines. But the success of this film ultimately comes down to McCarthy, who shines in this role. She’s had some uneven films in the past couple years — including 2013’s “Identity Theif” and last summer’s dud “Tammy” — but she is brilliant in “Spy.” This seems like the kind of part that is tailored to her unique talents, and she makes the most of the physical comedy, the material and the character. And in a perfect fusion, Cooper has to play a gruff and outspoken role while under cover, which allows McCarthy to shift gears in the middle of the film and show something a little different. “Spy” is the kind of movie that stands well on its own but could also be the start of a franchise. This is the kind of fun, funny movie that is perfect for summer.
Rating: R for language throughout, violence, and some sexual content including brief graphic nudity. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, June 12 — "Jurassic World"

Friday, June 19 — "Inside Out," "Dope"

Friday, June 26 — "Ted 2," "Batkid Begins," "Max"