Spy (2015)

Written and Directed by Paul Feig
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart and Jason Stathom

A desk-bound CIA analyst volunteers to go undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent diabolical global disaster.

A brilliantly funny action comedy with the unlikeliest of heroes, "Spy" is Melissa McCarthy at her prime. With an honest performance as a CIA Agent that no one is rooting for, she brings a humor that is equal parts self-deprecating and ass-kicking.

It is rare in today's world that there is a comedy in which the scenes in the trailer are the least funny gags or lines in the movie. The trailer, for once, is just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath there surface are so many laughs that I still cannot pinpoint what my favorite line or scene from the movie it. It is just a hilarious and fun ride.

I knew this film would be somewhat enjoyable. But I did not expect it to be so wildly entertaining and to keep me laughing the whole time. From director Paul Feig, who I admittedly rarely enjoy his work, has created quite possibly his best film yet. This is not a summer comedy you'll want to miss.

My Rating: 8/10

Dom Hemingway (2013)

Written and Directed by Richard Shepard
Starring Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Emilia Clarke and Demian Bichir

A career criminal who was just released from prison returns to the boss whom he had been quiet about while in prison. The reward money the was given for doing so is stolen and Dom Hemingway's life begins to spiral out of control.

Neither a film about repentance or life change, "Dom Hemingway" is just about a criminal trying to get back his criminal life, yet attempting to regain the trust of his daughter. He never once apologizes for his actions and continues to break the law throughout.

While not a deep, meaningful story that we see so often in movies about gangsters, it is rather interesting. The character Jude law creates is so fun and eccentric that it is near impossible to turn away. With seemingly poetic threats and insults, he speaks his way through the film with such a force that it is difficult to dislike him.

Just look at this side burns!

"Dom Hemingway" has a lot of positives about it. It has great writing, acting and cinematography just to name a few. I enjoyed it. But this isn't a "must see" movie. Sure it was fun and comedic and I'm happy I watched it. It just wasn't mind-blowing or even heart-pounding.

My Rating: 5.5/10