#REVIEW: “SPY”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

Melissa McCarthy has proven over these past few years that she is a real force in Comedy. In re-teaming again with Director Paul Feig, she has found her groove once again after a misfire or two, in new hilarious Action-Comedy Spy. The Film not only shines a light on McCarthy, but also some of the Supporting Cast, especially the scene-stealing Rose Byrne.

Rayna Boyanov (Byrne) is one of the World’s most notorious Arms Dealers, and it is up to Bradley Fine (Jude Law) to infiltrate her base and stop her from starting a global disaster. Fine manages to get through all the obstacles with his Sidekick/Earpiece Susan Cooper (McCarthy) as she is back at the Headquarters guiding him through Boyanov’s compound. Unfortunately, Boyanov gains the upper-hand and takes out Fine as she reveals to anyone who is listening that she knows the identity of every active and former CIA Agent. This poses a problem for the CIA as they need someone to infiltrate Rayna before she can cause mass destruction whose cover has not yet been exposed. This results in the Head of the CIA, Elaine Crocker (Allison Janney), calling for a meeting with Rick Ford (Jason Statham), Cooper as she was Fine’s Leading Lady, and other members of the CIA. Cooper decides to volunteer to become a field agent to find Rayna and make her pay for what she did to Fine, despite no one having that much faith in her, Crocker has no choice but to send her in the field.

Spy works on many levels as a James Bond-esque-style Parody, layered with a heaping portion of original jokes and gut-wrenching laughter. McCarthy nails her performance not only in her signature physical Comedy,  but also in delivering some of the most memorable lines in the Film. Another great addition to the Film is Statham, who branches into Comedy here and succeeding as an over-the-top Action Star.  His chemistry with an unlikely Counterpart in McCarthy, particularly in dialogue-heavier scenarios, are unforgettable. Byrne is  spot-on, selling villainy to perfection.

More so, perfect Ensemble aside, a strong Script and Direction from Feig making Spy the pure joy that it is. A true return to form.

20th Century Fox Canada release Spy in theatres Friday, June 5, 2015.