Spy (2015)

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

Director: Paul Feig
Writer: Paul Feig
Stars: Jason Statham, Rose Byrne, Morena Baccarin

Storyline

Susan Cooper is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency's most dangerous missions. But when her partner falls off the grid and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global crisis.

User Reviews

I saw Spy at a SXSW Screening. Beneath the violence and the swears, I wanted to find a FUNNY movie, but the shallow story, bland characters pull down Spy's pants, one those it can't pull up in its runtime. Melissa McCarthy is brilliantly gut punchingly awesome as Susan Cooper, an overweight, but badass spy. All the others- Jude Law, Jason "Transporter" Statham and Rose Byrne, give good performances to hold up the movie. Director Paul Feig's previous flick, Bridesmades, had better use of the comedy and themes it held. Byrne's finicky villain, is good but she wants to be a good one than a bad villain. Jude Law breaks his luck, by giving a solid performance. Transporter Statham gives an unusually good act. Overall, Paul Feig's crooked direction, the hammy story and twists pull down this film from its potential.

Focus (II) (2015)

In the midst of veteran con man Nicky's latest scheme, a woman from his past - now an accomplished femme fatale - shows up and throws his plans for a loop.

Directors: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Writers: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Stars: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Rodrigo Santoro

Storyline

Nicky Spurgeon is an extremely accomplished con man who takes an amateur con artist, Jess, under his wing. Nicky and Jess become romantically involved, and with Nicky's profession of being a liar and a cheater for a living, he realizes that deception and love are things that don't go together. They split, only to see each other three years later... And things get messy

User Reviews

If you stopped for an hour and dissected this film you WILL find problems, like how the audience is meant to root for borderline sociopathic criminals or how the structure isn't what they're used to... HOWEVER, if you go in just expecting to be entertained and if you have a particular fondness for hustle movies, this is one enjoyable movie. The charming but not over-the-top humour consistently keeps the story entertaining and by not following the usual structure of a movie this kind, and ultimately the one the trailer promised, it offers something new to the mix. I can see the multiple twists as a turn off for some expecting a deeper film but if you know what you're in for I think the multiple twists in the film's final act will one-after-another bring a smile to your face and even have you laughing. Will Smith harnesses his charm to success in this flick and Margot has effectively proved herself as not being a one-hit-wonder. This is not a bad film, though I do believe your enjoyment hinges on your expectations when going into it. Don't expect the next Ocean's 11, expect a charming, funny, well acted, smartly written, hustle movie that will undoubtedly be drowned out by mixed reviews from people expecting gold and can't appreciate really good silver.