Movie Information

Release Date: July 2, 2014

Director: Ben Falcone

Writer: Melissa McCarthy, Ben Falcone

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Allison Janney, Dan Aykroyd, Mark Duplass, Gary Cole, Nat Faxon, Toni Collette, Sandra Oh, Ben Falcone, Sarah Baker, Rich WIlliams, Steve Little, Dakota Lee, Mark L. Young, Mia Rose Frampton, Steve Mallory, Big Al Hall, Jones Smith, Joe Baxter, Benjamin Chontos, Sean Gould, Keith Welborn 

MPAA Rating: R

 Runtime: 96 minutes 

Production Company: Gary Sanchez Productions, New Line Cinema 

Distributors: Warner Brothers

 Genre: Comedy 

Language: English

 Country: USA

While no one had any high expectations, I think it’s safe to say that Melissa McCarthy’s character in Bridesmaids surprised everyone. She hit the screen strong and fierce in a role that was funny, clever, and very unpredictable. She’s very talented with all the charisma in the world, and possibly will have an even stronger acting career in the future, if not already. I may only feel that way depending on whether she creates the characters herself, or leaves that job to someone else. The reason being is in this film her character Tammy is not one you could connect with, feel sorry for, or care about in the smallest degree. That’s not to say the film is bad because it’s not. It does have its comedic moments (mostly from the supporting cast), but it’s unfortunate when the title character is not one that you can relate to, and puts a dark shade on everything else that is great.  

Initially, I was tuned in with engaging credits of the cast soon to be while listening to random music with the character Tammy. We get to know who she is immediately through her appearance, material items, and the way she treats her coworkers. All is fine until she begins to speak, and her true character emerges. She’s a lazy, irresponsible person, that doesn’t take the time to wash her clothes, bathed, or even comb her hair. Yet she gets upset when she gets the cold shoulder from her surroundings. What makes matters worse is she whines all the time, and does nothing to improve her current situation. Now that issue is addressed in the film at least twice, but when there is no character growth to compliment the behavior I feel it’s wasted. Tammy’s domestic life doesn’t even match her character. She has a s**t car, a dead-end job, and horrible resources, which doesn’t add up to her significant other at home (who only has a few lines of dialogue). Why such an imbalance? Why does her husband groom himself, and she doesn’t? Why does she have nice things at home, but no reliable transportation to work? Tammy’s marriage with her husband was never believable even before it ended. Yet again we the audience are supposed to feel sorry for her character. I won’t completely bash this film because there are still a few great moments. Though it’s still more frustrating with some of the character’s decisions. I won’t spoil you here, because these scenes are blasted all over the trailers, but when you rob a fast food restaurant, then get rid of all the evidence, but forgot to change your shirt that makes you idiotic. Now on top of her idiotic behavior let us not forget to add the stupidity of when you’re robbing a fast food store, but decide to dance and perform pelvic thrusts in the parking lot. You’ll gain attention but apparently that doesn’t matter this time around. Yet again we’re supposed to feel sorry for Tammy. Characters like hers work in other films (e.g. Employee of the month), because the main character in that film knew of his under achievements, accepted it, and stayed in his lane not bothering the world. Tammy, on the other hand, has the biggest support system on the planet, and is an annoyance to that system, accepting no responsibility. So if her loved ones in the film don’t care too much for her presence (other than someone to occasionally laugh at) how can an audience member? The world may never know. 

Now I know it seems like I hated this film which I didn’t. As I stated earlier, the supporting cast was hysterical who I won’t mention here to present a surprise possibly as it was to me. All of them are very spot on, and the chemistry on set is apparent. I even thought Tammy’s character was hilarious, if she was in different settings or out of context. The scene I mentioned earlier with her dancing in the parking lot was actually quite hilarious, as a scene of its own. Though when you combine it with the context of the whole film, I’m asking myself, “What are we doing here? Please stop!” To be completely honest, if you clocked yourself out nearly every scene Tammy was in was a joy, but it just didn’t work as a whole. Every other joke I found myself laughing, and if I wasn’t my surrounding peers were. 

Tammy makes a full attempt of coming back around full circle with some redemption, but it doesn’t give the necessary pop of anything new. I’ve seen all of McCarthy’s features except one, and all present a different character except here. Tammy cherry picks from each, and doesn’t provide anything exciting or genuine. That doesn’t mean someone won’t have a good time, and all depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a diehard fan of the actress, you may be blown away. It’s doubtful but not impossible. Expectations were high for me still impressed with the job well done in Bridesmaids. Though everyone doesn’t have a perfect day at work, and Tammy is a prime example.