Identity Thief
2 / 5
TYPICALLY, COMEDY FILMS are hit or miss and very subjective. Identity Thief, starring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy, is definitely not exempt from this fate. Directed by Seth Gordon, it focuses on the life and stolen identity of the mild-tempered businessman Sandy Patterson (Bateman). The film follows Patterson on his desperate journey from Denver to Florida to clear his name by finding the woman who stole his identity.
Most notable for her roles in Bridesmaids and Mike & Molly, McCarthy does a great job being crazy, serious, and honestly emotional at appropriate moments. Bateman, on the other hand, keeps things tamer than usual and stays true to his character for the duration of the film. Both actors give a refreshing performance, together managing to salvage a movie rather devoid of a complete and cohesive plot.
As for the comedic aspect of this film, that’s honestly up to the individual to decide. Identity Thief has its truly funny, quirky moments, and, of course, some forced ones. Thankfully, it also has some serious tongue-in-cheek wit thrown in for good measure; some themes were maintained throughout the movie to give it some buildup and consistency. You will definitely leave the theatre happy after seeing this movie if you happen to enjoy pointless and “colourful” humour.
—Marley Lewington
Safe Haven
3 / 5
SAFE HAVEN IS a film based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, author of The Notebook, Dear John, and The Last Song. Let’s see what we have here. Damaged yet beautiful heroine? Check. Picturesque southern setting? Check. Ruggedly handsome local man whom the heroine first rejects but obviously is going to fall in love with? Check.
Safe Haven’s main character is Katie (Julianne Hough), on the run from something or someone in her past. She arrives in Southport, N.C., where she meets Alex (Josh Duhamel), a widowed father of two, and a friendly neighbour, Jo (How I Met Your Mother’s Cobie Smulders). Despite her fears of connecting with people, Katie slowly lets her guard down and becomes a part of the town’s tight-knit community.
Although the plot is simple and well-worn—one scene manages to include every romantic cliché ever: a boat ride, a rainstorm, and slow dancing in an empty restaurant—the film’s strength comes from its tension, as Katie’s violent past comes back to haunt her when she is relentlessly pursued by Boston cop Tierney (David Lyons). There are two big twists, one of which was excellent and unexpected. The other twist suddenly introduces a supernatural element to the plot about two minutes from the end of the film, which seems completely pointless.
Safe Haven has its flaws, but it is enjoyable to watch. It’s easy on the eyes due to an attractive cast and gorgeous scenery, there are good performances, and the final act has some edge-of-your-seat moments. The Notebook it is not, but it’s still a perfectly charming and entertaining film.
—Bethany Ditzel
