Identity Thief Review - 2½ Stars

The great Melissa McCarthy plays a outrageous con woman who begins the story getting Jason Bateman on the phone and sweet talking his social security number and other personal information out of him.  Soon she’s manufactured a dozen credit cards in his name which she proceeds to use to their max.  Once the police come after Jason he realizes what’s happens and hunts McCarthy down in Florida, requiring her to return to Denver with him to clear his name.  This kicks off the tired but true road trip comedy template this movie follows.  Identity Thief doesn’t do much of anything new or surprising but it does showcase the growing talent of Melissa McCarthy.  Toward the final third of “Identity Thief” she shares her true personal story and undergoes some form of transformation — that makes things watchable even if unbelievable. McCarthy burst on the scene in “Bridesmaids” and has become one of our time’s greatest comic actresses.  I hope Hollywood can find material equal to her talents.  Does it deliver what it promises?  So so road comedy  Is it entertaining?  A few laughs.  Is it worth the price of admission?  Not in first run.