CREDIT: WWW.MOVIES.IE

Identity Thief (2013)

You're living your life, the same as it's always been, day in and day out, when suddenly something's not right. Your credit cards don't work and there's no money in your bank account. Your wife isn't the culprit, so who's been spending all your money? The person pretending to be you...

That is exactly the situation in which unassuming, mild-mannered Sandy Patterson finds himself in the newest flick from director Seth Gordon, Identity Thief. Sandy can't purchase gas because his credit card is maxed out, and soon thereafter he is arrested for missing a court date in Orlando, Florida, leaving him perplexed by what is happening to his life. When Sandy learns that his identity has been stolen by a woman nearly 2,000 miles from his home in Denver, Colorado, and his job is on the line because of the damage she's done, Sandy sets out to find her and bring her back to confess and clear his name. When Sandy finally meets identity thief Diana, he discovers that her troubles go deeper than his as she has a band of dangerous people hot on her trail who are all looking to get their revenge on the con artist.

Maybe when you think of “buddy film,” or maybe even “road film,” you don't immediately think of Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy in the lead roles. This isn't necessarily your traditional buddy or road flick, though, and with these two in the headlining spots there is never a dull moment.

As Sandy Patterson, Bateman does an impressive job at being mild and kind but also exceptionally funny. His performance in Identity Thief actually harkens back to the role for which he is perhaps best known, Michael on Arrested Development, with the same wry, dark, sidesplitting comedy.

As always, and by now this almost goes without saying, Melissa McCarthy is a comedic genius. From her slapstick style bits to her facial expressions to the absolute perfection with which she delivers her lines, McCarthy makes Diana into yet another one of her famous comedic roles. It is no wonder that McCarthy is one of the few women in show business to ever receive such critical acclaim for her work in comedies, including the one for which she is most well-known, Bridesmaids.

Backing up that incredibly talented buddy team of Bateman and McCarthy are Eric Stonestreet, Jon Favereau and Amanda Peet, who all bring their own comedic presence to Identity Thief. Stonestreet does a particularly funny job as Big Chuck, the object of Diana's desire one drunken night.

The new generation of comedy in Hollywood is dripping with talent, and directors are certainly making the most out of it! If you're looking for a good laugh (or 30) during this grey, cold, dreary February, then head to the theatre and check out Identity Thief. You won't be able to contain your laughter.

Rating: 4 out of 5