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Wednesday, December 30, 2015

SPY (2015)

Good rude fun, if not quite as funny as it thinks it is. Writer/director Paul Feig runs hefty Melissa McCarthy thru her paces in a James Bondian farce that shows surprising affection toward Roger Moore’s late ‘70s cocky aplomb & super slick productions. (Moore’s Bond gets little love these days, yet his are the films most hit on: Mike Myers’ AUSTIN POWERS series, THE INCREDIBLES/’04 & here.) Feig’s story is, if anything, better constructed than most Bond pics with McCarthy switching from computer whiz for super agent Jude Law to field agent hunting down a nuclear device. Lots of obvious yuks from a big supporting cast show Feig leaning too heavily on quick reverses & inappropriate comeback lines. He might be writing ‘funny’ balloon dialogue over cute baby pictures. He does allow a real perf out of office gal Miranda Hart which almost makes up for Jude Law’s crucifying hairpiece. Yikes!* But watch McCarthy running in the long shots. She can’t. A hoppy little trot is about all she can manage. The film techies fake her big action stuff to fine, funny effect, but when Feig hits real comic paydirt like this, he ignores it. (Or doesn't know how to use it.) Might the inevitable sequel trade editing tricks for a bit of human comedy?

SCREWY THOUGHT OF THE DAY: *Could Law’s hair be a tribute to the whopper Sean Connery wears in YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE/’67?

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