This photo provided by Twentieth Century Fox shows, Melissa McCarthy, left, facing off against a knife-wielding adversary, Nargis Fakhri, in a scene from the film, "Spy."

“Spy”

Action/Comedy: 2 hours

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Jude Law and Jason Statham  

Director: Paul Feig

Rated: PG-13 (Violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and profanity)

Movie Review: Melissa McCarthy is known for her comedy chops, but one would rarely think of the rotund comedic actress as an action hero. Ergo, the laughs begin with that thought. However, “Spy” manages to entertain with that very premise.

Susan Cooper (McCarthy) is a desk agent at the Central Intelligence Agency. After the CIA realizes an internal spy compromised the identity of its agents, Cooper receives a promotion from desk jockey to field agent. To stop arms dealer Rayna Boyanov (Byrne) from selling a nuclear weapon to the highest bidder, Cooper will have to remember her training to help the agency infiltrate Boyanov’s syndicate.

Action stars are typically fit people with toned bodies and superb athletic abilities. On first glance, McCarthy has none of these, but she works, inserting physical agility, via stunt people, and humor.

Good thing this is a comedy. McCarthy’s lack of physical conditioning is part of the humor. She knows as well as her character that she is not for a field assignment, but she has confidence, intelligence and the will to save the United States from enemies domestic and foreign. This works just well enough to make all entertaining.

McCarthy and the cast appear to enjoy their roles. Byrne, Law, Statham and others have the appearance of a nice working relationship. They seem to enjoy the company as well as their work.

The comedy and action work well together to form something interesting. McCarthy shows she is worth more than a few laughs. She is golden as a spy.

Grade: B (I spy worthy entertainment.)

 

“Entourage”

Drama/Comedy: 1 hour, 45 minutes

Starring: Adrian Grenier, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara and Jeremy Piven

Director: Doug Ellin

Rated: R (Profanity, strong sexual content, nudity and drug use)

Movie Review: “Entourage” is an entertaining piece from creator Doug Ellin, who directs also. He directed “Kissing a Fool” (1998) and “Phat Beach” (1996). His films are marginal moments. “Entourage” is his jewel. It makes a decent movie, although it plays as one lengthy television episode.

Movie star Vincent Chase (Grenier) and his entourage, Eric (Connolly), Turtle (Ferrara), and Johnny Drama (Dillon) are in Hollywood and living large. They form a joint venture with former power agent Ari Gold (Piven), who is now a studio head.

Gold wants Chase to star in his new film, but Chase takes the offer with one condition, the actor wants to direct the film, too. It is a risky venture, but Ari Gold is a gambler.

Now he is taking a chance with Chase’s directorial debut, especially when the film’s chief financial backers, Larsen McCredle (Billy Bob Thornton) and his son, Travis (Haley Joel Osment), have major issues with the film.

“Everyone is invited” should be the tag line for this interesting feature. Cameos are prevalent from actors, musicians, sports stars, and billionaires. Cameos happen so often that they are interesting but distracting.

No distraction exists for those admiring the “Entourage” series that ran from 2004-2011. This screenplay feels like a teleplay, so fans should find it easy to like this. Those not having seen the show should feel comfortable, too. The cast portrays their characters in a manner that entertains.

The guys are childish at times, but they are definitely men. Their immature nature drives the film and provides laughs. However, this feels like an extended episode of the former HBO series. 

In addition, the script involves too many arcs. Several stories all collide. While they are entertaining, they compete. Thus, “Entourage” lacks a solid focus.

Grade: C+ (Antics of this entourage are amusing but lacking concentration.)  Note: Stay through the credits for more folly.

 

“Insidious: Chapter 3”

Horror/Thriller: 1 hour, 37 minutes

Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Stefanie Scott, Stefanie Scott and Lin Shaye

Director: Leigh Whannell

Rated: R (violence, frightening images, some language and thematic elements)

Movie Review: The third film in this horror franchise that started with “Insidious (Director James Wan, 2010). Leigh Whannell, who wrote the first, directs “Chapter 3.”

This latest addition features evil spirits torturing another young soul, an all-too-familiar plot.

The young soul this outing is Quinn Brenner, played by Scott. She desperately misses her mother. She calls out to her mother often, hoping the deceased woman will hear her. Instead, something sinister hears Quinn’s cries.

 The demon begins stalking Quinn. Sean Brenner (Mulroney), Quinn’s father, feels as helpless as his daughter does. Enter Elise Rainier (Shaye), a psychic medium. Rainier tries to rescue Quinn from a dire situation.

“Chapter 3” is spookily effective, but it feels like something already seen. It is less scary than the first “Insidious,” but it makes up for it with good performances.  

An engaging cast’s talents, mainly Scott, Mulroney and Shaye, help. They appear natural, everyday people. Their performances provide depth. They make their roles plausible, even if the other parts of this movie are not as convincing.

Grade: C+ (Engaging yet becoming insidiously redundant.)