Melissa McCarthy may be the unlikeliest Hollywood star at the moment, refusing as she does to conform to the usual stereotypes. First making an impression in the underrated sitcom Samantha Who, she stole the show in the unexpected hit movie Bridesmaids. Since then she’s been busy in the terrific and successful television sitcom Mike and Molly, whilst co-starring in the films Identity Thief and Heat last year.
Tammy is the first feature film that McCarthy has had to largely carry herself, though she does have a formidable supporting cast. She plays the titular heroine who faced with losing her job at a fast food outlet and finding that her husband has an affair on the same day, embarks on a road trip with her hard-drinking irresponsible grandmother (Susan Sarandon).
What follows is a fairly straightforward and formulaic road movie, co-penned by the star and director Ben Falcone. There are a few very funny scenes and the energy and skill of McCarthy’s performance just about keeps Tammy afloat between those amusing moments. Sarandon aside, the supporting cast includes Alison Janney, Kathy Bates, Sandra Oh, Toni Collette, Gary Cole, and Dan Aykroyd – who all have little screen time and not much to do when they are on screen.
Worth seeing for McCarthy’s performance alone, though not reaching the heights of her last two films. I am expecting better things when she re-unites with the director of Heat and Bridesmaids, Paul Feig, in next year’s Spy.
Rating 5.5 out of 10