Spy

A post-dinner, last-minute decision took a small group of us the other night to see Spy, the new Melissa McCarthy movie.  I'm not a huge fan of hers--her movies usually make me cringe at the awkwardness and the fat-woman humor--but I'd heard from two people that it was supposed to be quite funny.

I'm happy to report that not only do I now agree with those recommenders, I also found it one of the funniest films I've seen in quite some time.  McCarthy does what she does, but she does it particularly well here.  What makes the film, however, is the combination of the writing and the extremely strong performances of the supporting cast members, particularly and surprisingly Statham.  He's been funny in the Crank movies, but here he brings all the intensity of his action-hero performances to bear on screamingly funny dialog.

From the trailer, you're bound to think you know the plot, and you probably do know its basic shape--but that's not what really matters.  This one is all about the ride, the way writer/director Paul Feig and his wonderful cast turn a formula into a film that's fun from start to finish.

The next time you need to laugh, check out Spy--and do stay for the credits.