Review - Identity Thief

This Thief Needs To Be Locked Away

If you’ve ever had you identity stolen, you know it is not a funny thing. But the ridiculousness of it all can be funny, and the new movie starring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy set out to show you just how silly this crazy thing can be.

Sandy Patterson (Bateman) is leading a quiet life in Denver. An unexpected call from what he believes to be his credit card company leads him to sign up for the “platinum” security package that will keep his identity safe against criminals and just prevented a major problem from occurring. But the truth of course is that the security package was a lie and another “Sandy Patterson” has emerged (Melissa McCarthy).

Now the real Sandy Patterson is at risk of losing his job and must fly across the country to find the imposter and bring her back to Denver.

But as Sandy finds out, fake Sandy, actually Diana will not go quietly and things turn into more of a cross country road trip film. Now will Sandy kill Diana…or will the two end up making it to Denver in one piece?

Man, I’m a big fan of Jason Bateman. To put him in a film with Melissa McCarthy seems ripe for comedy gold, and maybe that is part of the downfall of Identity Thief.

There are big laughs at times in Identity Thief. I will admit to laughing out loud on a number of occasions. So what could be bad about that? Two likable stars and success at creating laughs should mean a great film, right?

Well the problem…those laughs are contained in a couple of segments of the movie. When the movie shifts to many of the subplots, the tone gets a bit surreal and downright sad. Although we are intended to feel sad for Sandy his schizophrenic journey from “mad and not going to take it” to “I’ll just be over here” don’t bother me. Yes these journey derail the often funny film from its speeding train. That and a film that doesn’t know how to wrap itself up quick enough makes for a disappointing miss.

Identity Thief only succeeds at stealing 2 hours that would be better spent watching some of Bateman and McCarthy’s other work. You will get more laughs and not feel let down if you do.
B-/C+

Identity Thief

Universal Pictures

Director: Seth Gordon

Cast: Jason Bateman, Melissa McCarthy
 
Rating: R for sexual content and language.
Runtime: 1 hour 52 minutes