By Teri Bayus

Spy is my new gigglefest. I loved every moment of this movie and I did not expect to even chuckle, but my cheeks hurt when I left the theater. Deemed a comedic spy movie, but that seemed a misnomer to me, as they all seem comical to me. I mean really, who takes James Bond seriously? Men do, at least all of them that I know.
The plot: Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) is an unassuming, desk-bound 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 a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global disaster.
McCarthy is a known comedic genius and typically steals every scene she’s in — from “Bridesmaids” to “The Heat.” She returns for another round of comedic turns in her latest movie Spy, teaming up with Statham, (who is one man that I will watch every movie he is playing in whether starring or supporting). He is sexy personified and a perfect actor to spoof serious spy movies.
It also stars Law, a man who is delightful eye candy and I can stare at him for at least 90 minutes. What was not to like about this movie? Nothing. Loved every frame.
McCarthy threw everything on the table. Statham’s role is so exaggerated; it seemed inspired by Chuck Norris jokes. The pathological urge to use profanity and his constant misplaced confidence are the furthest things from his usual gimmick, yet he pulls it off with full conviction.
While the gags are a collection of hits and misses, it is the action that flips the table around. Paul Feig’s direction is impeccable. He gives the actors a room to crack up their inner funny self, while other action-comedies out there rely almost entirely on slapstick
Quite simply, a top-notch spy comedy, jammed full of big laughs and bigger action, reason enough for you to go see it.

Teri Bayus can be reached at: or follow her writing and ramblings at: www.teribayus.com. Bayus also hosts Taste Buds, a moving picture rendition of her reviews shown on Charter Ch. 10. Dinner and a Movie is a regular feature of Tolosa Press.