Tammy (15)

Directed by Ben Falcone
Starring Melissa McCarthy, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Allison Janney, Dan Ackroyd, Sandra Oh, Toni Colette, Gary Cole, Mark Duplass

Melissa McCarthy's rise as a comedy star since 'Bridesmaids' is a good thing. A woman who in no way conforms to Hollywood's idea of female perfection able to open a movie single-handedly is encouraging. This time she co-wrote this film and her husband directed. A shame then that it is self indulgent and simply not funny enough!
McCarthy is her usual scruffy, plain speaking, slightly inept movie persona who goes on a road trip with her cantankerous and randy grandma Susan Sarandon. Along the way, there are some funny happenings, and if you like McCarthy, you will probably enjoy the film. Also lovely to see strong roles for women - although Alison Janney as McCarthy's mother and Sarandon as her gran are just unbelievable age-wise. Toni Colette pops up in a minuscule role but Kathy Bates had a bit more to get her teeth in to.
The funniest bit - Tammy holding up a McDonalds style burger bar - was in the trailers and apart from that, just not enough laughs. The situations mostly fall flat and McCarthy just does her usual crude schtick. I do hope she doesn't turn into the female Adam Sandler!
5/10

July 2014