“Identity Thief” is the story of how a struggling account executive, played by Jason Bateman, travels across the country in search of his identity, which has been stolen by a career criminal, played by Melissa McCarthy.
Ever since ‘Bridesmaids’ wowed fans in 2011, Melissa McCarthy has been known as one of the top female comedians. With ‘Identity Thief,’ she keeps her reputation intact as one of the most hilarious actors today. She (literally) throws herself into the character of a thoughtless criminal who gets her kicks by stealing people’s identities by forging credit cards and running up huge tabs.
McCarthy is an absolute riot in ‘Identity Thief.’ Audiences of all of McCarthy’s works, such as her wacky role in ‘Bridesmaides’ and her more demure, tender side as a loving wife on the CBS comedy ‘Mike and Molly’ will love this movie. ‘Identity Thief’ showcases the best of McCarthy. Her character transforms from a woman who is over the top, insane and says wildly inappropriate things into a person who learns how to harness her humor.
Jason Bateman plays one of McCarthy’s victims. He is an uptight account executive, who has recently quit his job at a large corporation to work with one of his former colleagues. Unfortunately for him, his new boss has run a background check and discovered that Bateman has some serious charges pending. In order to keep his job and get his life back, he must track down the woman who is destroying his credit. Thus, he travels from Denver to Florida to pick up his impersonator and bring her back to face charges. He coaxes her to return with him under the guise that he simply needs her to talk to his boss, so he can keep his job, when his real plan is to turn her into the police. A hilarious road trip ensues as the two attempt to make their way home. They not only have to deal with each other but also the bounty hunter and two other criminals looking for McCarthy.
Bateman, like McCarthy, is also always hilarious. In ‘Identity Thief,’ he plays a hyper anxious man, a role he is not unfamiliar with. He finds himself in over his head when he meets McCarthy, a criminal with unbelievable ability to run from authority and the physical power to wrangle grown men. Bateman and McCarthy are a hilarious duo, who will make you laugh out loud!
Although a comedy, there is much to draw from this movie. It is an example of how people are never what they seem and that we have something to learn from everyone we meet. This is a wonderful comedy, showcasing two of today’s best comedians.
