Melissa McCarthy has become quite the commodity since her breakout role in Bridesmaids. Working with her husband, fellow comedian Ben Falcone, as the director of her films—such as The Boss and Tammy)—has been quite successful for the pair. Now they are back with the new to Blu-Ray, DVD and digital download comedy, Life of the Party.
For fans of the comedienne, this is the movie for you. She brings her trademark bravado and wild, out-there-with a mission character study that fits her like a glove. This is not new ground for the actress and as such, those who aren’t already endeared by her work might find Life of the Party to be anything but. Yet, for those who adore her work, this is as good as any of her other solo starring films—perhaps a smidge better.
McCarthy stars as Deanna, who awakes one day believing she is living the dream life. Great husband, great daughter Maddie (Molly Gordon), great house… and then discovers that her husband Dan (Matt Walsh) doesn’t want to be married to her any more and serves her with divorce papers.
She is lost, except for the confidence instilled by her confidant Christine (frequent co-star Maya Rudolph). Then, something strikes her. She never finished college, just got married, had her daughter and then life took over. Feeling like there is no time like the present, she decides to enroll in university… where her daughter also attends!
Initially, Maddie is not thrilled about the idea. But, over time, not only does Deanna win over Maddie’s friends—such as Gillian Jacobs’ Helen, Jessie Ennis’ Debbie and Adria Arjona’s Amanda—but over her own daughter as well. She sees an inspiring tale in her mom that is one that many women have experienced. Going back to school takes some courage, determination and the ability to be self-deprecating to a whole new level for someone of Deanna’s age.
The film works best when it is the group of the college women doing their thing. The chemistry between the ensemble is top notch. McCarthy does her usual schtick and does it with aplomb as only can. For many, this is a bit that might be getting a wee bit stale. If that is the case, just wait for The Happytime Murders, where the actress stars in a raunchy R-rated comedy where she portrays a cop on the trail of a serial puppet murderer, and whose partner is also a puppet. For those of us who appreciate what McCarthy not only brings to a role, but to the wholeness that is an entire film, Life of the Party will please.
Even if it recalls Rodney Dangerfield’s 80s classic comedy Back to School, McCarthy is what sets it apart and she makes the experience uniquely hers. No new ground is covered here, story-wise, but we do head to waters that are unchartered with the element of a female lead who sacrificed her future for family and returns to get her education after decades. Certainly, much more profound than a chauvinist millionaire (Dangerfield) who enrolls in school to help his son graduate.
McCarthy’s husband, Ben Falcone, is once again directing his wife after the successes of their previous efforts, including Tammy and The Boss. The couple co-wrote the screenplay and by now, one could say that their pair have carved out a nice little cottage industry for themselves. McCarthy-Falcone is now a brand and although we suspect they will not change too much to their formula heading forward, it will be nice to see McCarthy branch out with the upcoming The Happytime Murders and the true-story drama Can You Ever Forgive Me?
One of the more enjoyable scenes in the entire flick finds the girls heading to an 80s party. 80s Party takes a look at how that scene was achieved—from a production design, costume design and sound design point of view. It’s a pretty epic Decade of Decadence fete that recalls many this writer attended back when the calendar reflected that fateful era.
Anyone else think it’s time for a solely set in the 80s party movie that focuses on one night at someone’s house fest and comedy and mayhem ensues?
I digress…
They say write what you know, and the truth will permeate the screen. That could never be more the case than with an element in the story that concerns Deanna’s obsession with sandwiches. In Mom Sandwich the couple share stories of how McCarthy’s real parents—especially her mom—was fixated on sandwiches and how that hilarity was woven throughout their latest work.
There is a slew of deleted scenes, 19 to be exact, and one must commend Falcone for his ability to see some potentially hilarious scenes and know that they did nothing to move the plot or the humor forward in the film as a whole. There’s interesting, sure, but not required viewing unless you want to see more McCarthy and her co-stars’ magic.
We haven’t seen a comedy home video release lately that employed the old line-o-rama bonus feature, so it’s terrific to see Line-o-Rama: Line-o-Rama make its comeback in Falcone and McCarthy’s Life of the Party. The series of improv’d sharpened insults launched at Bill (played by Steve Mallory, who is also a producer) is utterly fantastic.
There is a gag reel, that clocks in at five-and-a-half-minutes, but it is less funny that the previous bonus featurette.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: B