Monday, February 11, 2013

Identity Theft - 1 smile


The worst thing about “Identity Theft” is the film’s cavalier attitude toward identity theft. If you have to look for a message by the time this overly long movie ends, it’s we should show kindness to these criminals despite their wrongdoings because their deprived upbringing excuses their behavior. Yeah, right. I can’t abide stupid and Craig Mazin’s script stands two ordinarily enjoyable comics in the middle of nowhere with only stupid things to say and do. And the events that happen are full of implausible contrivances.

What victim of identity theft would travel from Denver to Florida to bring the culprit back to Denver to face justice?  Yet that’s what Sandy Patterson (Justin Bateman) does and once he finds Diana (Melissa McCarthy), the implausibilities begin. Bateman’s character is written as a mild everyman and a straight man for McCarthy, which he does well. McCarthy is a fearless physical comedian, but too often she’s hampered by lame, repetitive gags. Her character’s habit of punching people in the throat isn’t terribly funny the first time. Watching the trailer will tell you everything you need to know about this movie. 2/11/13

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