Reviewed by Victor Rebikoff.
Director: Ben Falcone Universal Pictures, MA 99 Minutes.
After her enjoyable performance in the spoof movie ‘Spy’ it is surprising that renowned comedienne Melissa McCarthy could consider taking on such an appalling role in ‘The Boss’ directed by husband Ben Falcone (‘Tammy’) in his second feature film.
McCarthy plays the foul-mouthed businesswoman Michelle Darnell who appears in the opening scenes as a self-serving speaker (in a turtleneck sweater) attempting to inspire other women to reach the same level of success as she has achieved.
But Darnell’s superior sense of her own importance is soon dispelled when her former lover Renault (‘Games of Thrones’ star Peter Dinklage) has her convicted of insider trading before being sent to prison for her transgression.
Once released, Darnell discovers how alone she is and forced to find accommodation eventually persuading former personal assistant Claire (Kristen Bell – ‘Veronica Mars’) to take her in being a single mother living with her daughter Rachel (Ella Anderson – ‘Unfinished Business’).
Before too long Darnell has dreamt up an enterprising scheme that has Claire making brownies in addition to coaxing a group of schoolgirls named Darnell’s Darlings to sell them which results in an all-girl brawl with another schoolgirl group.
The venture becomes so successful that it prompts Renault to buy the business only to be surprised when Darnell agrees to the deal but then change her mind following concerns expressed by her partner Claire.
From here on in the crazy plot turns into a farce as the leading characters go to great lengths to retrieve the contract to prevent any further embarrassment to the parties concerned.
Falcone’s intention of making a funny film simply falls flat having failed to entertain owing to a lack of comedic scenes and the vulgarity (which is supplanted by McCarthy’s inappropriate portrayal of her character), making this a dissatisfying movie.
Many of McCarthy’s fans would be disappointed with her role due in large part to the misplaced direction and it is regrettable that she was unable to live up to her comedic best in this movie.
The Boss is being televised on 9Gem at 8.30pm on Friday 2 October.
Vic’s Verdict: 2 Stars
