Hold on to your Social Security numbers, check your credit scores and remember to double check your providers. If not, your entire life will shatter to pieces as Sandy Patterson experiences in “Identity Thief.”
The movie is a standard comedy that goes from an array of cheap laughs to genuinely funny material. The movie brings many joyous moments followed by many moments of bland humor.
Overall, the film is all about the classic case of identity theft. After receiving a call from his “credit card provider,” Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) releases his personal information to a thief. Diana (Melissa McCarthy) takes Patterson’s credentials and creates a fake identity.
Using her freshly made cards, Diana goes on a shopping spree. From blenders to boats, she buys everything under the sun, maxing out every card.
After finding out that he has bad credit, Patterson’s only solution to restore his good name is to get Diana to confess in person to the police. Flying from Colorado to Miami, Patterson sets out to get Diana. Upon meeting her, the epic adventure begins to return her to Denver.
“Arrested Development” alum Bateman fits the role of the average, middle-class worker. He continues his career as a dry, sarcastic character that no one notices, but with a second glance that has a deeper meaning. Bateman seems to grasp the idea of interlacing his personality with his character’s.
In complete personality contrast, “Mike & Molly” star McCarthy plays the rambunctious, wild woman extremely well. However, disappointingly, she once again uses her weight as a crutch. She continues her stereotype as the fat person who is hindered from doing simple, menial tasks, such as running short distances. McCarthy could be much more than her weight, but fails to act on it.
Although some of its jokes fall flat, and were a bit crude, “Identity Thief” keeps its ground as a funny and enjoyable film — it’s a movie worth watching. It may not go down as the comedy of a lifetime, but it won’t be forgotten.
Throughout, “Identity Thief” teaches many lessons. But most importantly, it reminds us all that if you don’t protect your identity, then you may never exist again, or at least be replaced by someone much funnier than you.
Dive Verdict: ?????
To get the day's news and headlines in your inbox each morning, sign up for our email newsletters.
