Spy

Review

Spy (Comedy, Action) (2015)

Director: Paul Feig

Writer: Paul Feig

Stars: Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Allison Janney

As the remotely observed assignment of a renowned CIA field agent turns fatal, the desk-bound operator in charge volunteers to continue the operation in his stead. Tasked to provide on-the-ground intelligence for a mission that quickly turns on its head.

Quite particular in his comedic stylings, Paul Feig delivers with an over-the-top spy film featuring many whom he has had experience with. As it premiered at South by Southwest before making rounds at the Louisiana and Seattle International Film Festivals, the cinema release was in June 2015. It was filmed primarily in Budapest due to varying architectural styles, allowing it to appear similar enough to other cities presented in the movie. It was produced by Chernin Entertainment, Feigco Entertainment, and TSG Entertainment and distributed by 20^th Century Fox.

The CIA conducts covert operations globally, with field agents like Bradley Fine (Jude Law) supported by handlers such as Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy). After witnessing Fine's unfortunate demise, Cooper takes on his unaccomplished mission, gaining approval from CIA head Elaine Crocker (Allison Janney) for an observational role. Confident that her anonymity will keep her safe, Cooper, aided by her colleague Nancy (Miranda Hart), infiltrates and gathers intelligence on the criminal enterprise.

Drawing from his experience with projects like "Nurse Jackie," "Bridesmaids," and "The Heat," "Spy" might serve as a successful parody of the iconic "James Bond" franchise, leveraging familiarity with actors and their strengths.

With a bomb, foreign terrorist and a secret agent in Jude Law that exudes Bond energy—at this point, it's abundantly apparent that Feig intends to liberally make use of these themes carrying a nonsensical slapstick venture across the globe. Inherent aspects such as the operatives themselves, the gadgets facilitated in a short bit with McCarthy and Hart even supported by baddies often oblivious as to what they're in for remind of other complete imitations such as the "Austin Powers" franchise yet missing the caricatures and overstated villains usually seen in reinterpretations of Fleming's books.

Reliant on McCarthy as she brute-forces her way through the narrative, there's enough variety to provide assistance where it would otherwise fall short. Examples are the inclusions of Statham and Janney, with the former seeing himself as a hard-nosed super agent while, in reality, quite incapable and off his rocker. As Janney serves in a stone-faced role, acting as seriously, yet like the situation is entirely normal despite what happens, an over-stated yet fairly humorous angle of consistently giving McCarthy's Susan perceived stereotypes as undercover identities. Other examples can be given plentifully; these together add just the je ne sais quoi "Spy" needs to make the formula palatable. Allowing it to stay fresh and on point with accurate pacing. There's enough to experience and carry you through the journey, even having some sequel potential, which sadly never happened.

While opinions differ on McCarthy's comedic acting; "Spy" could be described as her most well-tailored role. If she's not the type of actress you enjoy, this is where you find out. That said, in this case, much of the burden lies on Feig in understanding exactly what that role is and allow her to be the exuberant actress she is. Best described as a brute force comedy, "Spy" still stands out and provides depth for other actors in the future, too, those who were usually typecast in specific roles.

Verdict

Spytacular

8,0