Reflecting on McCarthy’s Journey in Action Comedy
It’s hard to believe that ten years ago, Melissa McCarthy found herself at the peak of her career with a surprising move into the action genre. She first became a household name with her Oscar-nominated role in Bridesmaids, and following that, her comedies were often standard fare from big studios, like Identity Thief and, well, perhaps a less memorable one, Tammy. However, her collaboration with director Paul Feig again in Spy was something fresh, pairing her with Sandra Bullock in a buddy-cop comedy that was genuinely hilarious.
The film managed to straddle the line between over-the-top comedy and big-budget thrillers. McCarthy portrayed an underestimated desk worker for the CIA, and the humor didn’t hinge on her being foolish. Instead, she embodied a relatable character who used unconventional skills to navigate her missions and assert herself in a high-stakes environment. This blend of dignity and humor created a unique charm in Spy, which I think allowed the action-packed scenes to be both thrilling and entertaining. It’s this interplay that makes McCarthy’s performance stand out and keeps us invested in the action.
Fast forward to today, and the landscape of action comedies, well, it’s become somewhat muddled. The genre itself reflects this chaotic streaming era, where it seems caught between bland imitation and half-baked ideas. It’s no wonder that many of the notable entries in the genre are now streaming projects. Think of Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz in Back in Action for Netflix, or John Cena’s Jackpot! on Prime Video. Even Dave Bautista has jumped in with My Spy. It’s as if the streaming platform is the new home for this hybrid genre.
Surprisingly, though, Rebel Wilson’s new action-comedy, The Bride Works Hard, is getting a proper big-screen release—around 2,000 theaters, to be exact. It almost feels like an anomaly, especially considering McCarthy has been involved in streaming projects for quite a while. This film could very well showcase all the pitfalls of modern action comedies, perhaps highlighting their latest issues when viewed on the big screen.
In many ways, McCarthy and Wilson are comparable not just in their roles, but in their performance styles—not to mention their beginnings in supporting roles in major comedies. Both originated in films that leaned heavily into improvisation and each brought their own flair to familiar tropes. It makes sense for Wilson to riff off of something like I’ll Die Hard, where her character has a secret life as a spy trying to save her best friend on the most chaotic day possible. Even Anna Camp, from Pitch Perfect, will play a role here, which is, I suppose, a nice touch.
Revisiting the film, though, it feels like it’s drawing on faded action militarism, with director Simon West—a name from action classics like Con Air—attached to lend some credibility. Yet, the action sequences seem rather disjointed. While the film leans heavily on comedy, it begs the question: why bring in a director known for action if the goal is predominantly comedy? There are moments when the fight scenes feel more awkward than engaging, and it’s curious because Wilson, despite her experience, just seems to repeat her usual antics. It raises some, frankly, strange contradictions about what exactly this film is trying to be.
It’s no secret that the film industry has seen its fair share of mediocre action comedies, and The Bride Works Hard seems to echo this challenge. The humor feels confused, with joke setups that fail to land, especially in scenes involving Wilson’s character against her best friend’s step-sister. Dialogue that sounds like it should be funny often misses the mark entirely. It’s disheartening to watch a movie that tries so hard to blend genres yet struggles to find its footing.
The overall vibe is peculiar, as if the characters don’t behave like real people, which, to be fair, is not uncommon in some films. The setting of a “private island” feels strangely detached, and there are moments that feel self-referential, detached from reality. One can’t help but feel that the creators haven’t entirely grasped the genre they’re working in. It almost feels like watching an imitation of Spy, but lacking in execution.
However, all recent action comedies aren’t doomed to be forgettable. Some have managed to remain beloved classics. Take Beverly Hills Cop, for example—was it the plot, or was it simply Eddie Murphy’s charm? Yet, as we look at modern action-comedies, they often don’t commit to either genre distinctly, producing films that feel, I guess, like they’re just there. The Bride Works Hard falls into this category, where the title itself—almost too cute by half—hints at a joke that never quite delivers. The delicate balance responsible for past works seems to have dissipated. Is it action? Comedy? It’s as if filmmakers are shrugging their shoulders saying, “Who cares?”
