LIFE OF THE PARTY: Turn Up If You Like Melissa McCarthy

When it comes to cinema, we all have our soft spots; the genre, style or performers that we love sometimes a little more than we are willing to admit. I’m a little less apologetic about my choice: Melissa McCarthy comedies are my jam. My not-so-guilty guilty pleasures; I liked The Boss and Identity Thief a lot more than you did, will defend the Ghostbusters reboot with my life and find Tammy enjoyable enough in places (but will admit that it’s the closest she’s come to a misfire). She could head a one-woman, shoestring-budget remake of Infinity War and I’d be there on opening weekend, eager for a good chuckle – as I was with her latest release, Life of the Party. Is this a celebration worth RSVP’ing for?

Registering another collaboration with her director husband Ben Falcone, Life of the Paty centres on the antics of Deanna Miles (McCarthy), who enrolls at the college her daughter currently attends, ready to reclaim her life after an unexpected split from her husband. It’s a pretty uncomplicated premise, existing solely for McCarthy to riff off and once again flex her comedic chops; on that very basic notion, it succeeds.

In a similar vein to Kay Cannon’s Blockers, Life of the Party is a female empowerment drama disguised as a more mainstream studio comedy. While this effort isn’t quite as delightful or well-calibrated as that surprise hit, it is charming enough from start to finish to appreciate if you think it’s your bag; your enjoyment in it will rest solely on what you make of McCarthy – and you probably already know what you will make of the film too.

The trailers have painted a pretty accurate picture of the end product, but there are few major surprises along the way, aside from a rather fantastic plot twist as we approach the film’s final third. The pair very much stay in their comfort zone throughout. Invention isn’t at the top of this film’s list and it doesn’t need to be: it is happy being a serviceable, functional piece as deep as the fruit punch bowl.

As expected, McCarthy shines

Falcone and McCarthy’s script isn’t up to much; it provides the players with the bare necessities and lets them build from there, resulting in a somewhat hit-and-miss affair that survives (and occasionally thrives) on the strength of its performances.

They lay the foundations for some solid set pieces where the audaciousness unfolds, including a fantastic dance-off sequence and a public speaking scene which keeps the jokes rolling. And in its decision to emphasise positivity over negativity, it largely avoids unnecessary conflict and catfights; while I wish it was entirely absent (thus destroying Debbie Ryan‘s character), I appreciate the need for some dissension. Falcone’s direction helps with the visual gags and there’s a noticeable flair to it too, enhanced by some fine production design.

In a supporting capacity alone, Maya Rudolph threatens to steal the show on a number of occasions, and I await the day she receives a leading role of her own. She goes all in and produces some pretty hearty laughs for her effort. Elsewhere, while the characters themselves are pretty thin, the younger cast are all afforded a moment or two each to shine; it’s great that the screenplay explores the girls’ insecurities, the pressures of adolescence and uncertainty of the future, something the younger demographic will be able to recognise all too well. While these elements may not appear to be the main focus, it’s heartening to see these moments included in a studio comedy, delivering some surprisingly stirring and empowering moments for the women of the story.

Of course, this is McCarthy’s playground and she’s as reliably terrific as ever. As is to be expected, she throws herself in at the deep end, bringing her typical shtick to the screen with gusto and energy. She can be as vulnerable as she is fierce; as hilarious as she is emotional, delivering a stirring speech followed by some glorious slapstick. She’s never given nearly enough praise for her talent, skill and versatility as an actress AND comedian.

With another star vehicle under her snazzy belt, Life of the Party continues her brand of comedy efficiently, even if this fails to register as one of her top-tier efforts; it too confirms that she churns out her stronger material alongside frequent collaborator Paul Feig than with her husband Falcone. Still, as long as McCarthy’s name is above the title and she continues giving her all, I’m a little less fussed who is directing.

In Conclusion: Life of the Party

More fun than funny, Life of the Party may be one of the weaker comedies to come from Melissa McCarthy in a leading role, but it’s entertaining, pleasant and harmless enough to warrant your attendance if you’ve been taken by McCarthy’s previous work with Ben Falcone. Its underlying message of empowerment and confidence props the film up when its 110-minute runtime drags its heels, as does McCarthy’s constant, unwavering effort and sunny disposition. I may not have been belly-laughing on as regular a basis as I’d usually like, but I sure as hell had a smile plastered on my face.

While your attendance at the gathering may not be paramount, Life of the Party will provide a feel-good time to those eager for their next slice of McCarthy – those still unsure may want to find another party to attend.

What is your favourite Melissa McCarthy film?

Life of the Party is out now in the US and UK. All release dates can be found here.