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Melissa McCarthy is a wonderful actress often typecast into roles. Frequently this is in films co-developed and directed by her husband Ben Falcone. Spy, however, was written and directed by Paul Feig. He also directed McCarthy in Bridesmaids, The Heat, and Ghostbusters. Melissa McCarthy's comedy films often punch above their weight. Her dramatic roles are stellar. Spy is no exception thanks to a solid story arch of discovering self-confidence and a sprinkling of Jason Statham.
McCarthy is a CIA analysis that supports a field agent played by Jude Law. She has to enter the field, much to the hesitation of her superior played by Allison Janney, and the outright objection of Statham. Statham goes rogue as McCarthy has to continually save him despite his never-ending stories of unbelievable adventures. This may be the best scene in the film but there are a few more Statham stories sprinkled throughout.
The film takes itself seriously enough to hold your attention, but lets you laugh with McCarthy’s character and not just at her. The first act develops her character in a very sympathetic light before revealing the true extent of her skill set. Statham’s over-exuberant machismo is a hilarious nod to most male-focused spy thrillers. It all adds up to a fun way to spend two hours where you won’t want to check your phone for fear of something more interesting going on.