Writer: Syahida Kamarudin

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Watch this if you liked: “Horrible Bosses” and “The Promotion”

Once or twice a year, Hollywood will bring you the kind of light comedy revolving around serious issues in a not-so serious setting. While other movies about identity theft like "The Net" (1995), "The Jackal" (1997), "Gattaca" (1997), and "Catch Me If You Can" (2002) seemed to lean towards the crime thriller-action side, the Seth Gordon-directed "Identity Thief" wants you to see the humourous side of the 21st century's more notorious cyber crime.

However, to say that it is a light comedy is a bit of an understatement. This movie is indeed very very light in a way that the laughter you hope for only comes once or twice every 20 minutes or so. And it's hardly laughter but more of a short-spanned giggle and a few smiles here and there.

The movie is not so much about identity theft as it is a road trip movie. The saving grace of "Identity Thief" is its two lead actors. While Jason Bateman ("Horrible Bosses", "The Change-Up") is playing another of his staple uptight why-bad-things-happen-to-good-people persona, you have to admit that the guy is skilled at doing so. Bateman's chemistry with Melissa McCarthy's Diana is a fun one to watch. The brightly coloured-dressed McCarthy ("Bridesmaids", "The Nines"), who at times reminds you of Mimi Bobeck from "The Drew Carey Show", plays an ID thief with a complex background with a gusto, making you want to hate her and sympathise with her at the same time.

The same can be said about the movie's other additional characters, especially Genesis Rodriguez and T.I. as two hitmen who find themselves in odds with another bounty hunter (played by Robert Patrick) pursuing the same target.

Not much can be said about the other facets of the movie. It is heartwarming and has its little moments of fun here and there. But somehow, by the 45th minute, you may be able to guess how it's going to end. It's just a pity that these two likeable stars' talents were not being used to the fullest by Steve Conrad's weak script.

Watch this if you're a fan of Jason Bateman and/or Melissa McCarthy.


Cinema Online, 30 April 2013