323 reviews
Enjoyable romp, bit of fun, never a dull moment, I don't know why so many people have written so many bad reviews but judging from what they write I don't know what they were doing watching it in the first place they obviously can't switch off, sit back and just have a bit of a laugh. That's all there is to this film and there's nothing wrong with that in my opinion. Watch the DVD and avoid the dreadful ant n dec / x factor on a Saturday night!
IMDb insists that my review isn't long enough and I have to add some more lines so here's some padding. The acting is good, the plot is ridiculous and unfeasible but you have to put that aside, after all it's a movie not a documentary or an educational/training video. After reading the negative reviews on here I almost didn't bother watching this but I had already made the purchase and I am glad i did so before looking on here, because it would have put me off bothering!
It's not brilliant, but it isn't bad.
IMDb insists that my review isn't long enough and I have to add some more lines so here's some padding. The acting is good, the plot is ridiculous and unfeasible but you have to put that aside, after all it's a movie not a documentary or an educational/training video. After reading the negative reviews on here I almost didn't bother watching this but I had already made the purchase and I am glad i did so before looking on here, because it would have put me off bothering!
It's not brilliant, but it isn't bad.
- davekelley-82-912449
- Aug 16, 2014
- Permalink
Critics i.e. Rex Reed, must really have it out for Melissa McCarthy because the hateful reviews on this movie and her personally are not warranted.
If you like slapstick, raunchy, adult comedies then you will like Identity Thief. McCarthy shines in this movie, her physical comedy talent is right on the mark and she really gives her character a heart and soul. Bateman does well as the straight man caught up in McCarthy's crazy world of con games and identity theft.
This is pure escapism entertainment, you have to suspend your disbelief and just go for the ride. This is not Argo or Lincoln and it's not supposed to be. We saw this 3/9/13 at the Muvico and the theater was packed! Everyone seemed to enjoy the movie and the four of us thought it was hysterical. There are some really good one liners and physical comedy situations here. The box office success of this movie goes to show you that critics don't know bs about what people find funny. I can't wait to see Melissa in her new movie with Sandra Bullock.
If you like slapstick, raunchy, adult comedies then you will like Identity Thief. McCarthy shines in this movie, her physical comedy talent is right on the mark and she really gives her character a heart and soul. Bateman does well as the straight man caught up in McCarthy's crazy world of con games and identity theft.
This is pure escapism entertainment, you have to suspend your disbelief and just go for the ride. This is not Argo or Lincoln and it's not supposed to be. We saw this 3/9/13 at the Muvico and the theater was packed! Everyone seemed to enjoy the movie and the four of us thought it was hysterical. There are some really good one liners and physical comedy situations here. The box office success of this movie goes to show you that critics don't know bs about what people find funny. I can't wait to see Melissa in her new movie with Sandra Bullock.
As the cartoon-ish posters tell us, Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) is a sucker. He just gave his personal identification information to a stranger over the phone. Sandy Patterson (Melissa McCarthy) is the "Identity Thief". After getting arrested and almost getting fired from his job, the real Sandy Patterson is determined to get his identity back. A stupid but convenient police procedural sets Sandy off across the country to bring the criminal to justice.
It's the type of film where critics and audiences are at odds. Critics think it's one of the worst comedies ever made, audiences don't particularly like it all that much either, but are paying to see it in theatres in droves. Go figure. Well, I liked it. It has its fair share of problems, but it can make you laugh, simply and effectively.
The key to comedy is timing. Bateman is a good comedic actor and he has great comedic timing. His lines are funny enough and we are able to laugh at his misfortunes because we know good will have to come to him eventually. The film itself also has good timing. A handful of well- timed edits had me screaming, laughing and crying in a ball as a snake squirmed its way up Sandy's pants. The scene that followed handled an animal joke better than most similar comedies do.
Say what you will about Melissa McCarthy, but she's a good actress based solely on the fact that every character she has played is completely different than any she has played before. "Sandy"/Diana is not Molly, not the filthy Megan, not the scattered Sookie and not any of the darker characters that she played in a few dramas. Diana has no friends (but can buy some using Sandy's money) because she's extreme in her actions. But that's where comedy lies, in the extreme.
"Identity Thief" does take the road trip comedy angle and makes it fairly formulaic with the various obstacles, but that's also what makes it likable. Sandy is likable, Diana is over-the-top but that's what makes the comedy work. The film, though, is a "soft R", meaning the jokes are tame and silly not overly crude or crass. Considering how much audiences love the R-rated comedy, that's apparently the problem with this movie. It just wasn't raunchy enough for them. Well, I can like my comedies with a few less swear words and no nudity, so I liked it.
It's the type of film where critics and audiences are at odds. Critics think it's one of the worst comedies ever made, audiences don't particularly like it all that much either, but are paying to see it in theatres in droves. Go figure. Well, I liked it. It has its fair share of problems, but it can make you laugh, simply and effectively.
The key to comedy is timing. Bateman is a good comedic actor and he has great comedic timing. His lines are funny enough and we are able to laugh at his misfortunes because we know good will have to come to him eventually. The film itself also has good timing. A handful of well- timed edits had me screaming, laughing and crying in a ball as a snake squirmed its way up Sandy's pants. The scene that followed handled an animal joke better than most similar comedies do.
Say what you will about Melissa McCarthy, but she's a good actress based solely on the fact that every character she has played is completely different than any she has played before. "Sandy"/Diana is not Molly, not the filthy Megan, not the scattered Sookie and not any of the darker characters that she played in a few dramas. Diana has no friends (but can buy some using Sandy's money) because she's extreme in her actions. But that's where comedy lies, in the extreme.
"Identity Thief" does take the road trip comedy angle and makes it fairly formulaic with the various obstacles, but that's also what makes it likable. Sandy is likable, Diana is over-the-top but that's what makes the comedy work. The film, though, is a "soft R", meaning the jokes are tame and silly not overly crude or crass. Considering how much audiences love the R-rated comedy, that's apparently the problem with this movie. It just wasn't raunchy enough for them. Well, I can like my comedies with a few less swear words and no nudity, so I liked it.
- napierslogs
- Feb 16, 2013
- Permalink
This movie is a good comedy, I cant believe i have to say this in every(almost)comedy review. comedy is not going to deliver any deep messages or "take" you anywhere. it is just the friend that comes over to cheer you up. ---check out "DRAMA" if you need meaning -- stop knocking pro made comedy , not everyone has the same sense of humor but most humor is universal so if you wanna laugh , you will,
the opening set-up for this movie jumps right in , explains the concept well and sets the tone for funny, i was laughing right away,
Top name actors , highly polished feel, easy storyline, and "it's true life experiences that we can all--well , most of us --laugh about(or cry).
Jon Favreau is in this- he does'nt do bad movies,if he is listed as producer(he is brilliant)or actor , it's worth watching.
lastly-nothing worse than a long review-hint to reviewers-- so i am oudahere --NOW HIT PLAY ON THE MOVIE
the opening set-up for this movie jumps right in , explains the concept well and sets the tone for funny, i was laughing right away,
Top name actors , highly polished feel, easy storyline, and "it's true life experiences that we can all--well , most of us --laugh about(or cry).
Jon Favreau is in this- he does'nt do bad movies,if he is listed as producer(he is brilliant)or actor , it's worth watching.
lastly-nothing worse than a long review-hint to reviewers-- so i am oudahere --NOW HIT PLAY ON THE MOVIE
- thepotatoHasEyes
- Mar 9, 2013
- Permalink
Identity Thief is a comedy filled with exciting scenes and memorable quotes involving two people, Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman) and Diana (Melissa McCarthy) that would have never met, until Diana steals Sandy's identity. We all know how important credit is and Sandy is not going to sit around and watch his hard earned credit go down the drain. He travels cross country to bring Diana to justice. Diana is not the kind of person who "rolls over and dies," she doesn't give up without a fight. The director (Seth Gordon) sticks to his style of comedy, like Horrible Bosses, also starring Jason Bateman. Some scenes are drawn out in this 111 minutes, but that shouldn't stop you from seeing this movie. Besides you might learn a thing or two on keeping your identity safe!
- dcollins564
- Feb 22, 2013
- Permalink
I went into the Houston premier of Identity Thief with modest expectations. The movie is more-so about the road trip of the straight and Honest Sandy alongside the Cunning, throat punching Diana. The premise is a recycled one, but is done in a fresh way. While watching, you don't get the "I've seen this before" feeling while watching it. There are plenty of laughs delivered by the hilarious two leading characters. The supporting characters actually are the only disappointments. They seem quite dry with their dialog being rushed and less integral to the humor of the movie. They are more side notes to keep the story rolling, but they do not slow the movie down.
The movie is a good time out and not a waste of money if you paid for tickets. It doesn't break the mold, but it does stand up as a movie you will enjoy and actually leave out of the theater talking about!
The movie is a good time out and not a waste of money if you paid for tickets. It doesn't break the mold, but it does stand up as a movie you will enjoy and actually leave out of the theater talking about!
- outtherebad
- Feb 4, 2013
- Permalink
- StevePulaski
- Feb 9, 2013
- Permalink
This movie is way better than Road Trip if we ask for sensible comedy. I'd give it a solid 7, as I couldn't find a loop unless I'm a Nazi of watching movies to find weak spots rather getting entertained.
I'm not a comedy aficionado but I did really laugh on many instances when the fat lady sang at ''wtf should we do?' situations. McCarthy executes her character well and there's nothing to hate about it unless you watch the movie through the end.
Plot is progressive and the story builds up well, including some original gags.
It's a must watch family movie, a great popcorn film; highly recommended.
I'm not a comedy aficionado but I did really laugh on many instances when the fat lady sang at ''wtf should we do?' situations. McCarthy executes her character well and there's nothing to hate about it unless you watch the movie through the end.
Plot is progressive and the story builds up well, including some original gags.
It's a must watch family movie, a great popcorn film; highly recommended.
- omer-irfan
- Jun 3, 2014
- Permalink
Oh My God this movie was bad
So horrible
it hurt to sit through the first 20 minutes to get to the point. I felt I could review it due without ever bothering to digest the whole piece.
Despite the high profile comedic talent on hand, (Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy), the movie is so predictable that you can guess almost every nuance in it. If you wish to have your intelligence insulted for an hour and a half, this is for you.
The idiotic pranks the script calls for in the first half hour are so predictable, you laugh at the characters as they attempt to convince you they're going through the actual experience of identity theft. The lame attempt to profile a law enforcement agent's disdain for having to pursue an identity thief is akin to what the audience feels in their effort to connect with the characters. McCarty's character is so predictable we've seen it 100 times in Hollywood. Good person feels unloved, steals someone else's material goods to feel appreciated, throws party, is told no one cares and voila they want to do right.
Hello, thanks for your complete lack of originality.
When you have comedic talent, you don't have to give them an 9th grader's high school play script to read. Give them some real material. McCarthy's character is so predictable you already hate her before you're invested into why she actually bother to steal Bateman's character's identity. By the time the movie reveals that McCarthy is a self-loathing, conceited, self deprecating individual who wants out of her predictable Drug/gang related troubles, you have no empathy for her character what-so-ever. In fact, you've already begun to detest her role as a leach.
Bateman is the only character worth investing in and perhaps that's because we still identify with him as one of the principles in Hancock, nearly the same character.
If I'm spending $8 to see a film it sure as heck isn't this one.
Give us a real script and less predictable jokes, less predictable outcomes and less predictable plot lines. Yes, the actors were funny, but everything else about this film suc&ed.
Save your $ go see something else.
Despite the high profile comedic talent on hand, (Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy), the movie is so predictable that you can guess almost every nuance in it. If you wish to have your intelligence insulted for an hour and a half, this is for you.
The idiotic pranks the script calls for in the first half hour are so predictable, you laugh at the characters as they attempt to convince you they're going through the actual experience of identity theft. The lame attempt to profile a law enforcement agent's disdain for having to pursue an identity thief is akin to what the audience feels in their effort to connect with the characters. McCarty's character is so predictable we've seen it 100 times in Hollywood. Good person feels unloved, steals someone else's material goods to feel appreciated, throws party, is told no one cares and voila they want to do right.
Hello, thanks for your complete lack of originality.
When you have comedic talent, you don't have to give them an 9th grader's high school play script to read. Give them some real material. McCarthy's character is so predictable you already hate her before you're invested into why she actually bother to steal Bateman's character's identity. By the time the movie reveals that McCarthy is a self-loathing, conceited, self deprecating individual who wants out of her predictable Drug/gang related troubles, you have no empathy for her character what-so-ever. In fact, you've already begun to detest her role as a leach.
Bateman is the only character worth investing in and perhaps that's because we still identify with him as one of the principles in Hancock, nearly the same character.
If I'm spending $8 to see a film it sure as heck isn't this one.
Give us a real script and less predictable jokes, less predictable outcomes and less predictable plot lines. Yes, the actors were funny, but everything else about this film suc&ed.
Save your $ go see something else.
Not so bad, really. Did quite enjoy it first time I watched it. Yep that means have watched it more than once. It surely doesnt deserve all the bad reviews.
- piribweraz
- May 23, 2020
- Permalink
This is the single worst movie I have seen since Mirrors. A horrible, laugh-less movie with no redeeming qualities. Not even Jason Bateman's usual charm or the cameos by Jon Favreau and Robert Patrick could save this van-wreck of a movie.
Melissa McCarthy's "Diana" was the single most unlikeable character in recent years. Unrelatable, unfunny, unworthy of an hour and a half of screen time. Suspending your disbelief is one thing, but "Identity Thief" requires something a little closer to a lobotomy. With an ending you couldn't miss if you were Helen Keller, there is nothing worth sticking around for. In fact, Helen Keller could've made a better slap- stick comedy than Seth Gordon.
It pains me to see Jason Bateman's name attached to such a horrible movie and I truly hope his next project fairs MUCH better. The worst thing is, "Identity Thief" has already made more money than much better films out there.
One hour and forty seven minutes of my life I will never get back.
I do not recommend this movie to anyone.
Melissa McCarthy's "Diana" was the single most unlikeable character in recent years. Unrelatable, unfunny, unworthy of an hour and a half of screen time. Suspending your disbelief is one thing, but "Identity Thief" requires something a little closer to a lobotomy. With an ending you couldn't miss if you were Helen Keller, there is nothing worth sticking around for. In fact, Helen Keller could've made a better slap- stick comedy than Seth Gordon.
It pains me to see Jason Bateman's name attached to such a horrible movie and I truly hope his next project fairs MUCH better. The worst thing is, "Identity Thief" has already made more money than much better films out there.
One hour and forty seven minutes of my life I will never get back.
I do not recommend this movie to anyone.
- daniel-spiteri
- Apr 6, 2013
- Permalink
Such a fun film I kinda understand the hate but I could watch this so many times. I absolutely love the dialogue especially from Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy they're both delightful throughout! A bit ridiculous in some bits that shouldn't be so bad it's not an award worthy just glorious Seth Gordon greatness.
- UniqueParticle
- Nov 13, 2021
- Permalink
Needa a good laugh? Identity Thief is a great bet. Silly? Yep! Hilarious? For sure.
Melissa McCarthy Dives into this role, head first. She's a scream. She plays Diana, who steals Jason Bateman's (Sandy Bigelow Patterson) identity. She gets loads of credit lines and goes to town and shops 'til she drops and then goes to town some more.
With no where to turn, Bateman heads to Florida to confront McCarthy head on to save his hide. One bad escapade begets another. From the Police to debt collectors, to drug deals and a few other shady sorts. All the while, McCarthy and Bateman spar toe to toe...
The ending is nice, but not too nice. Which is a good thing in the land of Hollywood where Cinderella stories come true.
One sobering point is the reality and devastation identity theft can wreak. All kidding aside, take steps to protect yourself. Cyberfraud abounds!
Need a laugh? See Identity Thief. Sit back and crack up.
Now I feel compelled to see McCarthy's performance in Bridesmaids. Chick flic or not, why not.
Arthur VanDam, author and film critic
Melissa McCarthy Dives into this role, head first. She's a scream. She plays Diana, who steals Jason Bateman's (Sandy Bigelow Patterson) identity. She gets loads of credit lines and goes to town and shops 'til she drops and then goes to town some more.
With no where to turn, Bateman heads to Florida to confront McCarthy head on to save his hide. One bad escapade begets another. From the Police to debt collectors, to drug deals and a few other shady sorts. All the while, McCarthy and Bateman spar toe to toe...
The ending is nice, but not too nice. Which is a good thing in the land of Hollywood where Cinderella stories come true.
One sobering point is the reality and devastation identity theft can wreak. All kidding aside, take steps to protect yourself. Cyberfraud abounds!
Need a laugh? See Identity Thief. Sit back and crack up.
Now I feel compelled to see McCarthy's performance in Bridesmaids. Chick flic or not, why not.
Arthur VanDam, author and film critic
- ArthurVanDam1
- Feb 12, 2013
- Permalink
Director Seth Gordon's previous feature, "Horrible Bosses" (2012), wasn't anything special as a comedy despite its potential, but it contained a few clever moments to make it worthwhile. "Identity Thief" makes a fatal mistake when Gordon attempts to incorporate a dramatic element to the story line. By going in this direction, it is no longer possible to view "Identity Thief" as a compilation of marginal fat jokes, sex gags, and slapstick humor. Instead, we are forced to absorb a "serious" aspect that is so poorly rendered it's unbearable to watch. There are bad movies, and then there's "Identity Thief."
"Identity Thief" starts out as a comedy about a nice, clean-cut guy named Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman), who travels from the Colorado home he shares with his wife, Trish (Amanda Peet), and two daughters, to Florida. His goal: track down the woman who stole his identity, trashed his credit rating, and cost him his job. She's Diana (Melissa McCarthy), a fat, foul-mouthed dipstick who is freely spending as she adds to Sandy's debt. What transpires is a series of completely implausible situations that transforms "Identity Thief" into a mismatched buddy film. And that's when the wheel's come off completely. The film suffers from the classic complaint that the funniest moments were in the trailer, and even then it's nothing special. A strong contender for the Razzies, and for those unfamiliar, they acknowledge and award the worst movie of the year. Proceed with caution .you've been warned.
"Identity Thief" starts out as a comedy about a nice, clean-cut guy named Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman), who travels from the Colorado home he shares with his wife, Trish (Amanda Peet), and two daughters, to Florida. His goal: track down the woman who stole his identity, trashed his credit rating, and cost him his job. She's Diana (Melissa McCarthy), a fat, foul-mouthed dipstick who is freely spending as she adds to Sandy's debt. What transpires is a series of completely implausible situations that transforms "Identity Thief" into a mismatched buddy film. And that's when the wheel's come off completely. The film suffers from the classic complaint that the funniest moments were in the trailer, and even then it's nothing special. A strong contender for the Razzies, and for those unfamiliar, they acknowledge and award the worst movie of the year. Proceed with caution .you've been warned.
- nesfilmreviews
- May 27, 2013
- Permalink
'IDENTITY THIEF': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy team up for this road trip/buddy comedy film directed by Seth Gordon (who also directed the hit comedy films 'HORRIBLE BOSSES' and 'FOUR CHRISTMASES'). It was written by Jerry Eeten and Craig Mazin (who also co-wrote 'THE HANGOVER PART II' and 'III' and 'SCARY MOVIE 3' and '4') and tells the story of a man who goes after the woman who stole his identity. He tries to make a citizen's arrest (because the police are useless) and bring her home with him, from Miami to Denver (She of course doesn't want to go peacefully). I went to see this movie with pretty low expectations (having heard a lot of negative reviews on the film, despite it's immense popularity) and was pleasantly surprised.
Bateman plays Sandy Peterson, a businessman in Denver who's struggling to get by and make enough money to support his wife (Amanda Peet) and two daughters (Mary-Charles and Maggie Elizabeth Jones). For multiple years in a row his asshole boss (Jon Favreau) has refused to give his employees bonuses despite the fact that he's getting a huge one himself (Gordon seems to have a big problem with bosses). Peterson's co-workers, lead by Daniel Casey (John Cho), want to leave the company and start their own business because of this. They ask Sandy to join them and he accepts. Things look up for Peterson for once until he finds out that a woman in Miami, Diana (McCarthy), has stolen his identity, ran up a huge amount of debt in his name and gotten him in some legal trouble. Detective Reilly (Morris Chestnut) makes Sandy aware of this but says there's nothing the police can really do about it. So Sandy decides to travel to Miami and bring Diana back to authorities in Denver (by lying to her and saying he just wants to clear things up at his work but won't pursue any legal charges against her). Diana is much more trouble than she appears to be and won't go with Sandy without a fight. They spend the rest of the film on the road together being pursued by two criminals (T.I. and the gorgeous Genesis Rodriguez, one of my new favorites) and a bounty hunter (Robert Patrick), who all want Diana as well. They of course bond in the process.
The movie is a lot funnier than the trailers make it out to be (thanks in large part to Bateman and McCarthy's performances) and the emotional drama of the film is surprisingly effective as well. While there is a fair amount of slapstick and over the top hijinks the characters still seem very real and relatable and by the end of the film you really learn to care for them. I think Jason Bateman has one of the best straight man routines in Hollywood and his delivery here (like always) is perfect. I've never been a big fan of McCarthy's and actually thought this movie looked horrible because of her but she actually gives a really strong and likable performance in it. She is extremely annoying for a lot of the film but she grows on you and gets you to feel for her as well (she's a surprisingly good actress). I was pretty disappointed with Bateman and Gordon's previous collaboration ('HORRIBLE BOSSES') but I went into it with really high expectations (the opposite of this). Still I think this is a much better film, it works on all the levels that 'BOSSES' didn't. Ignore the critics and the haters, this movie is doing huge box office for a good reason; it's actually a good film!
Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy team up for this road trip/buddy comedy film directed by Seth Gordon (who also directed the hit comedy films 'HORRIBLE BOSSES' and 'FOUR CHRISTMASES'). It was written by Jerry Eeten and Craig Mazin (who also co-wrote 'THE HANGOVER PART II' and 'III' and 'SCARY MOVIE 3' and '4') and tells the story of a man who goes after the woman who stole his identity. He tries to make a citizen's arrest (because the police are useless) and bring her home with him, from Miami to Denver (She of course doesn't want to go peacefully). I went to see this movie with pretty low expectations (having heard a lot of negative reviews on the film, despite it's immense popularity) and was pleasantly surprised.
Bateman plays Sandy Peterson, a businessman in Denver who's struggling to get by and make enough money to support his wife (Amanda Peet) and two daughters (Mary-Charles and Maggie Elizabeth Jones). For multiple years in a row his asshole boss (Jon Favreau) has refused to give his employees bonuses despite the fact that he's getting a huge one himself (Gordon seems to have a big problem with bosses). Peterson's co-workers, lead by Daniel Casey (John Cho), want to leave the company and start their own business because of this. They ask Sandy to join them and he accepts. Things look up for Peterson for once until he finds out that a woman in Miami, Diana (McCarthy), has stolen his identity, ran up a huge amount of debt in his name and gotten him in some legal trouble. Detective Reilly (Morris Chestnut) makes Sandy aware of this but says there's nothing the police can really do about it. So Sandy decides to travel to Miami and bring Diana back to authorities in Denver (by lying to her and saying he just wants to clear things up at his work but won't pursue any legal charges against her). Diana is much more trouble than she appears to be and won't go with Sandy without a fight. They spend the rest of the film on the road together being pursued by two criminals (T.I. and the gorgeous Genesis Rodriguez, one of my new favorites) and a bounty hunter (Robert Patrick), who all want Diana as well. They of course bond in the process.
The movie is a lot funnier than the trailers make it out to be (thanks in large part to Bateman and McCarthy's performances) and the emotional drama of the film is surprisingly effective as well. While there is a fair amount of slapstick and over the top hijinks the characters still seem very real and relatable and by the end of the film you really learn to care for them. I think Jason Bateman has one of the best straight man routines in Hollywood and his delivery here (like always) is perfect. I've never been a big fan of McCarthy's and actually thought this movie looked horrible because of her but she actually gives a really strong and likable performance in it. She is extremely annoying for a lot of the film but she grows on you and gets you to feel for her as well (she's a surprisingly good actress). I was pretty disappointed with Bateman and Gordon's previous collaboration ('HORRIBLE BOSSES') but I went into it with really high expectations (the opposite of this). Still I think this is a much better film, it works on all the levels that 'BOSSES' didn't. Ignore the critics and the haters, this movie is doing huge box office for a good reason; it's actually a good film!
It was an ok movie and quite easy watching but it wasn't as funny as I expected and the plot was very slow going!
Halfway through the movie I walked out of the theater. I loved horrible bosses but I hated this crap. Its terrible. McCarthy's character is so unlikeable that I wish she was mutilated in a Texas Chainsaw movie or something. Her character made me p!ssed off and I wish someone in the movie would just beat the SH !T out of her but it never happened.
I'm a 20 year old male and I could not connect with anyone in this movie. One of the most frustrating movies to watch. Just made me squirm in my seat. It was like torture. I was bleeding from my eyes and ears from the pain.
This movie is bad
I wouldn't watch this if you paid me $5 to sit through the whole thing
I wish I could rate this a zero
I'm a 20 year old male and I could not connect with anyone in this movie. One of the most frustrating movies to watch. Just made me squirm in my seat. It was like torture. I was bleeding from my eyes and ears from the pain.
This movie is bad
I wouldn't watch this if you paid me $5 to sit through the whole thing
I wish I could rate this a zero
- mbuzzell-561-509572
- Jun 6, 2013
- Permalink
Actually a 6.5 out of 10.
The movie wasn't smart, it wasn't even very good.
But it didn't need to be. It was stupid and funny and predictable. The actors were all more than competent and the script and direction were funny.
There was literally NO substance to this movie. And I think the audience hated me when I started laughing during one of the scenes that were meant to be melancholy.
Go for the fun not for the substance. And you'll be in for a fun night!
6.5/10.
The movie wasn't smart, it wasn't even very good.
But it didn't need to be. It was stupid and funny and predictable. The actors were all more than competent and the script and direction were funny.
There was literally NO substance to this movie. And I think the audience hated me when I started laughing during one of the scenes that were meant to be melancholy.
Go for the fun not for the substance. And you'll be in for a fun night!
6.5/10.
Identity Thief is not an awful movie, but it could have been much better. I think the main problem is that it was unsure on what kind of film it wanted to be. I was expecting slapstick for the entire film, but the final half is more serious than I expected. The drama wasn't bad, but maybe that means the slapstick was not necessary. But for the comedy, there were plenty of laughs to be had thanks to the chemistry between Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy.
Seth Gordon's follow-up to 2011's Horrible Bosses is about a man named Sandy who unknowingly gives his information away to a woman saying someone tried to steal his identity. Once he realizes his identity was stolen by that woman, he travels to Florida to bring her in to justice.
This movie partly succeeds thanks to the duo of Bateman and McCarthy. Bateman has always been a good comedy actor and he worked very well with McCarthy who was obnoxiously funny. As for the supporting cast, we get a slew of cameos by people from Robert Patrick to John Cho and for the most part, they do a good job.
Overall, Identity Thief is a decent comedy, but it could have been better. It does have a lagging script plus this film doesn't really know what it wants to be. Plus, it's a little bit on the long side. However, the lead actors make the film watchable and the subject matter will really hit you hard since this could easily be reality. I rate this film 7/10.
Seth Gordon's follow-up to 2011's Horrible Bosses is about a man named Sandy who unknowingly gives his information away to a woman saying someone tried to steal his identity. Once he realizes his identity was stolen by that woman, he travels to Florida to bring her in to justice.
This movie partly succeeds thanks to the duo of Bateman and McCarthy. Bateman has always been a good comedy actor and he worked very well with McCarthy who was obnoxiously funny. As for the supporting cast, we get a slew of cameos by people from Robert Patrick to John Cho and for the most part, they do a good job.
Overall, Identity Thief is a decent comedy, but it could have been better. It does have a lagging script plus this film doesn't really know what it wants to be. Plus, it's a little bit on the long side. However, the lead actors make the film watchable and the subject matter will really hit you hard since this could easily be reality. I rate this film 7/10.
It is deliciously ironic that a movie called Identity Thief has a very tough time building an identity for itself to display to the audience. This movie is a total jumble and lacks enough structure to even attempt to become a decent movie. What saves this movie from being a total disaster are the lead actors which had been on a roll up to this point. For those expecting a deliciously dark follow-up to Horrible Bosses from that same director instead will walk away quite disenchanted and disappointed.
In a nutshell, stressed father and husband Sandy Patterson has his identity stolen resulting in him building up debt that's being accumulated by another person. Desperately in order to save his job and get his life back, he travels down to Florida to find the thief and convince her to return back to Colorado to get things straightened out. This plot is rather ridiculous, which is why it required a screwball or dark comedic taint to remove the absurdity of it all. Unfortunately, despite the trailers and television spots this barely is a dark comedy, and barely works as a comedy to be exact.
Identity Thief is sometimes funny, but never funny enough. It is sometimes dark and twisted, but never truly dark and twisted enough. It's even sometimes emotional and sentimental (very inconsistently I might add), but even that ship sails too soon far too often. Lastly it is sometimes interesting and suspenseful, but, well, you get the point. The intriguing and potentially hilarious premise of a disgruntled victim meeting his money-sucking predator was started by a Floridian teacher, but gets ruined by a bloated and underdeveloped script by Craig Mazin----whom doesn't really have a good repertoire. The mismatched directing of Seth Gordon didn't help either.
It is ultimately the cast that keeps it afloat, even when the script bogs them down. Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy work well together and did a great job despite the circumstances, particularly McCarthy. Then check out the rest of this underused staff: Eric Stonestreet, Robert Patrick, Amanda Peet, Genesis Rodriguez, Morris Chestnut, and John Cho. Plenty of good actors and each with the ability to breathe life into the project, but unfortunately just didn't have enough screen time to make an impact.
Bottom Line: Resembling a weak, watered-down useless version of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles instead of the likes of Horrible Bosses and the best of Danny DeVito, Identity Thief struggles to find the right focus and right footing and winds up becoming a movie that isn't funny enough, isn't dramatic enough, isn't wild enough, isn't likable enough, and generally isn't good enough to warrant a second viewing---or a first one. It's one thing to disappoint, but it's a totally different matter when you disappoint underneath so much potential and so much talent at the helm.
In a nutshell, stressed father and husband Sandy Patterson has his identity stolen resulting in him building up debt that's being accumulated by another person. Desperately in order to save his job and get his life back, he travels down to Florida to find the thief and convince her to return back to Colorado to get things straightened out. This plot is rather ridiculous, which is why it required a screwball or dark comedic taint to remove the absurdity of it all. Unfortunately, despite the trailers and television spots this barely is a dark comedy, and barely works as a comedy to be exact.
Identity Thief is sometimes funny, but never funny enough. It is sometimes dark and twisted, but never truly dark and twisted enough. It's even sometimes emotional and sentimental (very inconsistently I might add), but even that ship sails too soon far too often. Lastly it is sometimes interesting and suspenseful, but, well, you get the point. The intriguing and potentially hilarious premise of a disgruntled victim meeting his money-sucking predator was started by a Floridian teacher, but gets ruined by a bloated and underdeveloped script by Craig Mazin----whom doesn't really have a good repertoire. The mismatched directing of Seth Gordon didn't help either.
It is ultimately the cast that keeps it afloat, even when the script bogs them down. Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy work well together and did a great job despite the circumstances, particularly McCarthy. Then check out the rest of this underused staff: Eric Stonestreet, Robert Patrick, Amanda Peet, Genesis Rodriguez, Morris Chestnut, and John Cho. Plenty of good actors and each with the ability to breathe life into the project, but unfortunately just didn't have enough screen time to make an impact.
Bottom Line: Resembling a weak, watered-down useless version of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles instead of the likes of Horrible Bosses and the best of Danny DeVito, Identity Thief struggles to find the right focus and right footing and winds up becoming a movie that isn't funny enough, isn't dramatic enough, isn't wild enough, isn't likable enough, and generally isn't good enough to warrant a second viewing---or a first one. It's one thing to disappoint, but it's a totally different matter when you disappoint underneath so much potential and so much talent at the helm.
I was a little skeptical about this movie, as sometimes it seems like all the funny bits (or scary in the case of a horror movie) are seen in the trailer. Also, the mediocre ratings made me think that this was going to be just some mediocre film. Well, I can happily say that I was proved wrong.
If you actually try to have a good time, you will. Don't get sucked into some sort of high standard that entitles you to not be able to laugh at goofy humor. Why would you even go watch a comedy movie in this day of age if you expected anything more than sexual persuasive / dirty humor? Bottom line, this is a really entertaining movie and had me laughing almost constantly throughout.
Give it a shot and see what you think; you're sure to laugh at some point :)
If you actually try to have a good time, you will. Don't get sucked into some sort of high standard that entitles you to not be able to laugh at goofy humor. Why would you even go watch a comedy movie in this day of age if you expected anything more than sexual persuasive / dirty humor? Bottom line, this is a really entertaining movie and had me laughing almost constantly throughout.
Give it a shot and see what you think; you're sure to laugh at some point :)
- cecilliawhite
- Mar 13, 2013
- Permalink
Just saw this with my movie theatre-working friend. We both enjoyed it but I have to admit, I found the whole thing a little uneven in trying to get laughs before then making it a little more like a rehabilitating of both lead characters for dramatic purpose. Still, Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy do earn their laughs and some tears at the way their characters change and I also liked Eric Stonestreet's supporting role here. Maybe it could have done without those villains chasing Ms. McCarthy's character for whatever reason as I didn't find them very useful here. But, all in all, Identity Thief wasn't a complete waste of time for me so on that note, it's worth a look.
- marccolten-1
- Jun 7, 2013
- Permalink
Sandy (Jason Bateman) is a loving and devoted family man,. A Denver family man who's always been responsible with his personal finances, he is shocked to learn that his credit score is in shambles. As he becomes the victim of a fraud designed by a compulsive shopper who steals his identity and uses his money: Diana (Melissa McCarthy). When the police refuse to offer any help, Sandy realizes that his only choice is to catch the impostor himself and bring her back to Denver to face justice. Being merilessly chased by a grizzled skip tracer (Robert Patrick) and a pair of vicious gangsters (Génesis Rodríguez and T. I.) determined to get the fake Sandy first, every step along the way will be a struggle. Is this the face of a thief?.Is this the face of a sucker?. She's having the time of his life
Comedians Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy star in this crazy comedy about fraud, mistakes and people on the verge of collapse. It is an action comedy that follows the style of a 'Road movie', and for which a series of confrontations, chases, and car crashes take place, when our well-known protagonists are relentlessly pursued by both the police, a bounty hunter and two mafia hitmen.
Director Seth Green handles the action and comedy with enthusiasm and the enjoyable chemical between Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy produces genuine comic sparkles. The friction between two leads Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy is fun to watch, while the action and comic moments are agreeable . The prestigious screenwriter Craig Mazin, writer of the different Scary Movie sequels, Hangover, and especially Chernobil and The last of us series writes this fun comedy focused on the relationship between a scammer and the person she has scammed. Duo of protagonists is really good; Melissa McCarthy is very nice as the unrepentant Florida fraudster who steals identities causing a lot of mayhem and messes, while Jason Bateman is the straight-laced, kind, and happily married family man who finds himself inexplicably involved in many twisted problems. Completing the main cast is the versatile John Favreau (Spiderman saga, and director of the remake The Lion King), Amanda Peet as the beloved wife, the rapper T. I. P. Génesis Rodriguez, Morris Chestnut, John Cho, Robert Patrick, Eric Stonestreet and Jonathan Banks.
The motion picture was well directed by Seth Gordon. He is a good director who has worked in both television and film. In TV he has made series as Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, Marry me, The Office, Community, The Night Agent, The Goldberg, Breaking in, Modern family, The Good doctor. Gordon has producted/directed feature films as : The lost city (2022), Pixels (2015) y Cry Wolf (2005), Baywatch, Horrible Bosses , Di Di Hollywood, among others. Rating: 6/10.
Comedians Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy star in this crazy comedy about fraud, mistakes and people on the verge of collapse. It is an action comedy that follows the style of a 'Road movie', and for which a series of confrontations, chases, and car crashes take place, when our well-known protagonists are relentlessly pursued by both the police, a bounty hunter and two mafia hitmen.
Director Seth Green handles the action and comedy with enthusiasm and the enjoyable chemical between Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy produces genuine comic sparkles. The friction between two leads Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy is fun to watch, while the action and comic moments are agreeable . The prestigious screenwriter Craig Mazin, writer of the different Scary Movie sequels, Hangover, and especially Chernobil and The last of us series writes this fun comedy focused on the relationship between a scammer and the person she has scammed. Duo of protagonists is really good; Melissa McCarthy is very nice as the unrepentant Florida fraudster who steals identities causing a lot of mayhem and messes, while Jason Bateman is the straight-laced, kind, and happily married family man who finds himself inexplicably involved in many twisted problems. Completing the main cast is the versatile John Favreau (Spiderman saga, and director of the remake The Lion King), Amanda Peet as the beloved wife, the rapper T. I. P. Génesis Rodriguez, Morris Chestnut, John Cho, Robert Patrick, Eric Stonestreet and Jonathan Banks.
The motion picture was well directed by Seth Gordon. He is a good director who has worked in both television and film. In TV he has made series as Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector, Marry me, The Office, Community, The Night Agent, The Goldberg, Breaking in, Modern family, The Good doctor. Gordon has producted/directed feature films as : The lost city (2022), Pixels (2015) y Cry Wolf (2005), Baywatch, Horrible Bosses , Di Di Hollywood, among others. Rating: 6/10.