Identity Thief [DVD] [2012]

Brilliantly funny from start to finish

`Identity Thief' is about a woman - Melissa McCarthy - who steals hard-up, hard-working, everyman, Jason Bateman's identity over the phone and then goes on to run up debts that he can't afford to pay for. He, in turn, seeks her out on the other side of the country and tries to bring her to justice in order to clear his name (and debts!).It's a decent enough premise, but with one problem: Melissa McCarthy is one of the most despicable characters in movie history and the whole point of the film is to try and make us like her (and even root for her). It's easy to root for Jason Bateman - he's struggling to make ends meet and support his family and doesn't deserve to be stolen from and have his life potentially ruined. However, Melissa McCarthy steals from people without a thought for her actions. Yes, we find out that she has led a hard life, but still... she steals from families who - most likely - can't afford it. It's like making a mugger your central character and wondering why audiences don't take to them.This is a shame, because Identity Thief has a lot of comedic acting talent on display, plus it's actually quite funny. I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. However, the bottom line is that - despite watching McCarthy for ninety minutes - I still wanted to see her brought to justice. It's not the actress' fault - it's not an easy part to play. She was great in The Heat and Bridesmaids). The film would be much better without her character, but then, her character is kind of integral to the whole point of the movie.Yes, it's funny in places, but you need a strong stomach to put up with McCarthy's character, plus you may need to suspend your disbelief in places, as there is a certain lack of logic if you look too closely.

This film was better than expected - I purchased it to watch with my children expecting a few laughs. It was visually entertaining, with some car action, uncomfortable-to-watch light fight scenes. The story twisted into more than expected on face value. It also provided an insight into human nature and dare I say human generosity of spirit and kindness. Showing how events transpired to inspire trust and compassion beyond initial anger and frustration - although not initially inspired by pure human kindness, that's what ended up happening. My children have just received bank cards for their first accounts so this film was also a good lesson into the need to look after their cards and know what identity theft is and its effects. Whilst a light hearted film, I wonder how many criminals would turn good if they experienced similar generosity of spirit? Entertaining, some good moral lessons and a positive ending I think. And for just £1.01 used + postage, how cheap does an evening's entertainment get? Blu-ray too!

This was a funny movie and not least because of the whole Jason Bateman Melissa McCarthy pairing. They work really well together - her character is just so loud and brash and his is really reserved and a bit 'anal', which makes for some really funny moments. Like most good comedies, it does have a few heart-wrenching moments in it too and there are occasions, throughout the film, when you really feel for Diana - but then there are moments when you just want to slap her for being so awful!!Yes, the storyline is somewhat predictable and it is not what you'd call cinematic fireworks, but if what you're looking for is some easy laughs and some good all round goofy entertainment, then why not give it a go? It's worth a watch.

I've seen a few Melissa MCarthy films but this one passed me by on first release. She plays her role as the hard faced con thief to perfection. She's hard, funny, raunchy, big hearted and mean all at once, but as the story develops we see a different side to her character and start to understand her conflicts. Jason Bateman is good guy whose moral compass is challenged as he attempts to clear his name of fraud charges and bring the real culprit to a form of justice.It's a feel good film with laughs along the way and a couple of poignant moments where bad goes good and good goes bad. A bit of frippery, but it kept my attention and I enjoyed it.

Just not good

I was expecting a typical physical farce comedy as the lead actress is known for. I love Melissa McCarthy and am a big fan of her in Heat. This is actually a bit different though. Yes she is physical, farcical and ridiculous. She is larger than life in every way but where other actresses would have just played it for laughs, Melissa manages to get a bit of pathos in as well. You actually hate yet love her at the same time which is a tricky balance.Don't get me wrong, it is silly, it is a silly concept and the 'bad guys' are laughable but it's also a really enjoyable film in the way that "One for the Money" should have been but completely wasn't. It's entertaining, fast paced, funny, you care about what happens. I thought only Brits did comedy like that. Good film.

After watching this film for about an hour I realised that my brain was trying to escape through my ears.I decided to stop watching before I suffered long lasting damage.