99 minutes, Comedy, MA15+

Ever since her scene-stealing breakout performance in 2011’s BRIDESMAIDS, Melissa McCarthy has rapidly built and solidly established her very own fan base. A fan base that is significant enough and devoted to all but guarantee one box office hit after another for the American star. Her latest comedy, directed by real-life husband Ben Falcone, is no exception. Cashing in with $23.4M in the US over the past weekend and landing at the number 1 spot, a whisker over BATMAN V SUPERMAN (In its third week), THE BOSS is Michelle Darnell (McCarthy), a self-made millionaire who manages her own business empire. So what’s Michelle’s undoing? Other than a childhood of family rejection, she’s about to be found guilty of insider trading and a short stint in prison kindly awaits. However, Michelle’s true punishment and chance for redemption arrive post her release.

Like any of the best comedians/comedienne’s out there, McCarthy can be right on top of her game or completely off it. In THE BOSS, she is definitely switched on and really asserts herself with a more consistent and enthusiastic showing than in some previous outings. As for the movie itself, it fails to be anything better than a standard comedy that plays out just as expected and predicted. Entertaining enough, yet completely forgetful, the best of THE BOSS’s laughter is generated by way of McCarthy’s comic timing and ability, and when it isn’t trying too hard to be funny. An example here is the film’s most woeful scene, which proudly advertises a distasteful and rather brutal, all-female, all-in-brawl that Falcone ought to be ashamed made the final cut. Fortunately though, as many wives may often feel, McCarthy isn’t too far away to restore some order to the disorder on display at times throughout her husband’s work.

2.5 out of 5

THE BOSS – Film Trailer

Footnote to Parents
Classified MA15+ for coarse language and sexual references which is spot on. This is a comedy better suited for ages above the age of 15 years.

Moviedoc wishes to thank Universal Pictures and Hoyts Melbourne Central for the invitation to the Melbourne Preview Screening of THE BOSS.

Review by Moviedoc
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