Spy - B

Rated R, 117 minutes

Melissa McCarthy

No secrets here: McCarthy and Statham a solid comic pairing in the crowd-pleasing, broad comedy "Spy"

Based on their recent comic pairings "Bridesmaids" and "The Heat," it's no secret that Melissa McCarthy and director Paul Feig can deliver sharp comedy, doing so again in the flawed but broadly funny and entertaining "Spy," though another action star nearly steals the show. Susan Cooper (McCarthy) is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency's most dangerous missions. But when her partner (Jude Law) falls off the grid and another top agent (Jason Statham) is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of deadly arms dealers (Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale), and prevent a global disaster. Directed and written by Feig, "Spy" is another crowd-pleasing comedy that's well-cast and well-played, led in full force by comic powerhouse McCarthy. McCarthy and Feig know each other well and play to the another strength's - and weaknesses. McCarthy carries the movie on her back in a role that's admittedly different from her typical outcasts, and while the comedy is broad, crude and predictable, she can always find a laugh, especially with props, such as a wig, a knife or a motorcycle. However, this time she's also aided by an A-list cast, and nearly upstaged in an unexpectedly strong comic performance in action star Statham, who's hilariously memorable as a bitter agent out to make a statement, as well from British comedian Miranda Hart, who's goofy British charm comes in handy as McCarthy's sidekick in the last act (that 50 Cent cameo helps too). As with some of Feig-McCarthy outings, "Spy" is too long and uneven, providing little explanation how the fumbling Susan can transform into a brash, knife-wielding agent overnight with little explanation. On that note, the second half is much more enjoyable, nimble and violent, and while there are few surprises, "Spy" should be another hit in the comic movie machine for both Feig and McCarthy. The opening credits scene is a fun homage to the James Bond movies.