Journal & Topics Media Group

Movie Scene: Limited ‘Life Of Party’


Melissa McCarthy in “Life of the Party”.

“Life of the Party” (105 min., Rated PG-13 for sexual material, drug content, and partying). Rating: 4 out of 10.

“Life of the Party” is a curious and greatly sanitized version of Melissa McCarthy’s “M-O,” when it comes to foul-mouthed, raunchy comedy that put her on the road to success. Other factors about her have contributed to her meteoric rise to fame — and starring in a long-running TV series (“Mike & Molly”) hasn’t hurt. McCarthy has been in-and-out of success in films, though, and this latest one doesn’t look like it’s going to do much for her.

First off, Melissa McCarthy is an amazing talent — someone I laud and praise all the time…and her impersonation of Jeff Spicer on SNL in 2017 was sidesplitting hilarious. Teaming with director Ben Falcone (also her husband) who co-wrote and co-produced the film, this couple has essentially masterminded all facets of this rather tame, simpleton comedy about a matronly mom returning to college to finish her undergraduate degree. All well and good as a topic, which, by the way has been done several times before, but I don’t think this material is going to attract throngs of moviegoers.

That the subject of “Life of the Party” has over-familiarity going against it, the fact the comic shtick and brand of humor has been brought down to a low-level PG-rating, uncommon for McCarthy, only limits the appeal this film has. She’s funny in her role as the frumpy dumped-upon wife (now “ex”) who somehow manages to return to the university she dropped out of in her senior year to complete her degree. I guess those credits still count. In that the reason she did so was to have a baby, then get married, and now is joining her 21-year-old daughter to finish school makes it that more odd if not silly — and ridiculous.

The title “Life of the Party” gives away the true focus of this film that she and Falcone concocted. Yes, Deanna (McCarthy) is a smart and studious cookie…she has a brain…but most of the attention is on how Deanna breaks free of the housewife persona to mingle and become one of the “sisters” in her sorority of youngsters. Thus, it’s the “partying” and actually “getting down” with a hunky fraternity brother who’s gaga over her (huh?) that sets an uncomfortable, unrealistic tone. Shedding the old-fashioned sweaters and curly hairdo for a spiffy makeover, and a new attitude, she’s quickly anointed as the new campus queen. Sorry, but that elicits another “huh?”

If anything, “Life of the Party” sends a wrong message that a few changes made to a woman in her 40s can change everything — overnight. The story comes across as a dimwit sitcom wherein the put-upon Deanna is warmly embraced by all to not only secure her degree, but bond with her adoring daughter, Maddie “Molly Gordon). This is a woman-centric film that has little time for guys, except as play things, like her newfound 20-ish “boyfriend” and professor who still has a thing for her; and her rotten ex-husband and Maddie’s father (Matt Walsh). What struck me uncharacteristically about this film was how rooted it was in 1950s college tradition and hijinks. It’s almost as if the sorority sisters should be wearing Bobbie-socks, the guys in neck-high sweaters and the night parties adorned with hundreds of kids getting drunk like they were still in high school in one of those teenage sex comedies. That really threw me off. The wit and style of most of this comedy has a juvenile or adolescent flavor — not in the least like a 2018 campus setting.

It’s all well-and-good that Deanna finds happiness and salvation going back to school and rediscovering herself — finishing something she started — and recapturing the fun and glory of being 22 again…but it’s portrayal of current college life seems antiquated and stale. Even Deanna’s goody-two-shoes mom persona grows tiresome as much as McCarthy tries transforming her into a “whole” person with a sexy vibe. She’s much too naïve to pull off this stunt, but everyone buys it and she’s the new sensation at school. It’s hard buying this sentimental journey down memory lane — minus all those usually tart expletives McCarthy is famous for doling out.

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