An all-female Ghostbusters team is the one genuinely inspired thing about this remake of the 1984 blockbuster. (If you think this film was unnecessary, imagine how pointless and cynical it would have been had it starred Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, and Craig Robinson.) Seeing this movie 32 years after I caught the original Ghostbusters, the distaff casting brought into relief all the changes between then and now. Comedy has changed. Star… read more!

In an era where studio blockbusters are becoming increasingly actor-agnostic, Spy is that rare creature: the star vehicle. Sure, there's action, there's comedy, there's lighthearted social commentary, but Spy's success rests entirely on Melissa McCarthy's shoulders. I went to see Spy almost in spite of McCarthy. I have no problem with her; she simply doesn't compel me to see her work. But… read more!