I’ve been a fan of Melissa McCarthy‘s ever since she struck (box office) gold with BRIDESMAIDS…
That’s not to say every movie that followed was on that same level.
Matter of fact, her collaboration with husband/director Ben Falcone in 2014’s TAMMY was probably a big screen low point for the often outrageous, ballsy comedienne.
Which brings me to the latest serving from the Falcone-McCarthy movie empire.
It’s a mom and daughter relationship comedy co-produced and written by the filmmaking pair and directed by Falcone as well.
And guess what? McCarthy’s toned down her comedic rumbles—especially the language—to PG-13 levels.
In LIFE OF THE PARTY she plays a nerdy mom that can’t seem to let go of her college daughter.
Never mind that she is already a senior.
So following the last tearful drop-off at the sorority house, McCarthy’s husband (Dan Miles, ‘Life Of The Party’—Not So Much) drops a bomb on her. He tells her that he’s divorcing her and is in love with another woman.
Now what?
How about returning to her alma mater (where her daughter is enrolled) to finish her degree and plunging head long into the college experience—frat boys and all!
OK, Ok…so college hijinks and hilarity ensue.
Granted things get off to a good and entertaining start.
And while I’m not going to get into the specific ins and outs here, I WILL share that the writing starting about midway into the film turns weaker and weaker.
Suffice it to say, BACK TO SCHOOL, the hilarious Rodney Dangerfield comedy from 1986, it’s not.
Nice supporting performances include those by Maya Rudolph playing McCarthy’s best friend and new SNL member (and KC export) Heidi Garner as Melissa’s weird, goth roommate making a rich debut.
I wish that I could be more upbeat about this movie.
But then I would be cheating—wouldn’t I?
LIFE OF THE PARTY grades a mere C
