February 8 marked the release of Universal’s highly-anticipated road-film comedy, Identity Thief, starring Academy Award Nominee Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, Mike & Molly) and Emmy Nominee Jason Bateman (Arrested Development, Horrible Bosses). Although receiving mixed reviews, the film has remained at the top of the box office since its release. The film was directed by Seth Gordon who is most known for his films Horrible Bosses and Four Christmases.
Sandy Patterson (Bateman) is your average American man: married, father of two with another on the way, and a good job with a pending promotion. One day on his way to work, Sandy stops to get gas only to have his credit card declined multiple times. When he calls the credit card company to find out why his card was declined, he learns that his identity has been stolen by some woman in Florida named Diana (McCarthy). He then finds out that because of all the debt Diana has caused him and the arrest warrant out for her in his name, she has placed his job and family in jeopardy. Upon seeking help from the police in hopes of straightening everything out, Sandy learns that the only way they can help is if the culprit were standing right in front of them. He decides to travel to Florida on his own in hopes of convincing Diana to come back to Denver with him and turn herself in.
In what was expected to be a side-splitting comedy, I actually found a heart-warming, feel good movie. As common with road-films, the two main characters, although reluctant at first, embark on a road-trip that inevitably will change their perspective on life and their relationship with each other; Identity Thief is no different. Despite all the crazy shenanigans Sandy and Diana find themselves in on their way to Denver, they grow to actually care for each other. Diana realizes how her actions have affected others, and that she needs to make amends.
The night before Sandy was planning to turn in Diana, he has a change of heart and decides not to press charges. Before he could tell her of his new plans, Diana goes to turn herself in because she realizes it’s the right thing to do. Although she ends up doing jail time for her crimes, Diana and Sandy remain good friends, and his family takes her in as one of their own.
When I went to see this film I was expecting to laugh for the full film as normal with most Jason Bateman films. However, this movie had me crying by the end. It showed how important friends and family are, and how it really is beneficial to forgive and forget.
Although I was a little disappointed that the level of hilarity was less than promised in the trailers, I did enjoy the film overall. I recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of either Jason Bateman or Melissa McCarthy. Neither one fails to keep the audience interested and wanting more.
