Identity Thief Review

I saw Identity Thief on February 11, 2013!! Going in, I didn't expect to like this movie, but I came out of the movie thoroughly impressed. The movie ended up mixing a great blend of drama and comedy, which I liked. The movie stars Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. Going in, you know that the premise of the movie is that McCarthy steals Bateman's identity. Bateman's name is Sandy Bigelow Patterson. He becomes the subject of an investigation for criminal activity, defaulting on credit cards, and narcotics trades. Bateman's character lives in Colorado with his wife played by Amanda Peet (who I haven't seen in anything since Identity interestingly enough), and two young daughters. I honestly hope if I have kids one day that I have girls, just saying!! He works a deal with the police that he will go to Florida where McCarthy's character is staying-we really don't know her true name until the end of the movie, and even then the story surrounding her real name creates a very good dramatic atmosphere that really pushes the story further.  I think the chemistry between these two was excellent. It just felt natural to me watching these two interact. These two end up becoming closer each step of the journey to bring her back to Colorado. The two get involved chaotic adventures, which helps push the comedy factor. They run into several characters all looking for McCarthy's character, whether its a bounty hunter claiming her to appear in court, or drug dealers that are angry for transactions not going through, Sandy and Jane Doe combine forces to evade their obstacles. There was also a great scene involving Eric Stonestreet from Modern Family, who had the name of Big Chuck in the movie. I couldn't help laughing since one of my friends from Elmira has the same nickname. This scene between the three had the audience in stitches and rightfully so. I am sure they had to do multiple takes of this scene, because it had to be impossible to keep a straight face during the shenanigans that ensue. As I've noticed, the bond between the two grows and they end up saving each other in different ways-whether it was physically or emotionally. In terms of physicality, a scene in the woods was absolutely hysterical involving snakes. There are other great cameos by Jon Favreau (as Bateman's boss), John Cho (who is a close friend of Bateman who want to go into business for themselves), Robert Patrick (bounty hunter), Genesis Rodriguez and T.I. (drug cartel). I give this movie a 4/5 for the cast, characters, plot twists, and excellent combination of comedy and drama.