DVD Review: Identity Thief

Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman in Identity Thief. Photo / File

Melissa McCarthy is undoubtedly a star on the rise.

Just a few short years ago she was an emerging actress on TV sitcom The Gilmore Girls then Mike & Molly.

If those hadn't won her enough fans, she followed that up with a standout performance as Megan in Bridesmaids.

Her character in Identity Thief is Diana, a lost soul who finds comfort in pulling off whatever rort she can get away with.

She finds it quite easy to steal identities and run up huge credit card debts while totally indulging herself.

It is fun and she never has to confront the people she hurts. That is until she assumes the identity of mild-mannered Sandy Patterson (Jason Bateman), a hard-working husband and father.

When Sandy sees his life slipping away as the debts mount, he decides to find the identity thief and bring her back to his boss and local police.

Diana proves to be an elusive and determined target, and Sandy soon realises he isn't the only one after her.

A bounty hunter and a drug cartel also have scores to settle.

When Sandy catches up with Diana, he takes her on a cross-country road trip from Florida to get her back to Colorado.

Sandy soon discovers a lonely woman with no friends or family to call her own.

He warms to her plight and is left with the dilemma of whether to take her in to the police or let her go.

Once Identity Thief gets into its rhythm, it's a fun ride with some hilarious moments.

Identity Thief
(M) Universal
Rating: 3 / 5