7. Spy
Easily the best of Melissa McCarthy's three collaborations with writer-director Paul Feig to date, Spy refuses to settle for easy fat jokes but actually gives the actress a character of substance, and the result is the best film of her career. A riotous send-up of spy thriller tropes, what really makes the movie work isn't so much the gags themselves but the killer cast delivering them: easy stand-outs among the line-up are Rose Byrne's antagonist and Jason Statham's hilariously goofy secret agent. The Stath may not be hugely known for his comedy roles, but on the strength of his scene-stealing work here, he should stick with it. Yes, the plot is total nonsense and you won't remember most of it in a week, but with a highly successful gag-rate and an overwhelming wealth of personality, Spy is an uproarious parody.
Jack Pooley
Contributor
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
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Jack