REVIEW: “Life of the Party” Lives Up to Its Name
Life of the Party is a tag that’s sometimes hard to live up to. The expectation is the person is fun, entertaining, and a must have at any bash if it’s a bash worth having. When you think of this person is the one you picture your Mom? In Warner Bros. new movie, Life of the Party, this is definitely the case.
Melissa McCarthy stars as Deanna, a middle-aged mom who, when blindsided by her husband’s declaration he is in love and having an affair with another woman, returns to her alma mater to finish her senior year of college and complete her archaeology degree. The only hiccup in returning to school is she will be attending the same school as her daughter, Maddie (Molly Gordon), who is also finishing her senior year.
Melissa is fantastic as Deanna. She excels at balancing the motherly side of the character with the fun, collegiate side of the character. Her character delivers on the laughs and Melissa creates several memorable moments throughout. She is joined buy Maya Rudolph as Deanna’s best friend, Christine. Although Christine is a little over the top, she is also extremely funny and plays great alongside Melissa. The pair are definitely comedic gold together and this movie solidifies it.
Molly Gordon plays Deanna’s daughter, Maddie, with Gillian Jacobs, Adria Arjona, and Jessie Ennis rounding out her group of friends. The four are great together, but Gillian is the standout as the slightly older friend who is back at school after recovering from being in a coma for eight years.
Disney Channel alum Debby Ryan plays mean girl Jennifer, but her story-line is forgettable and ultimately, not needed. If there wasn’t ever a mean-girl part of the story, the story wouldn’t have been impacted at all. It would have been nice to see Debby play a friend to Deanna rather than an enemy.
Melissa’s husband, Ben Falcone directs the flick and produces along with Melissa. The pair work so well together, it’s a testament to their partnership the movie is as delightful as it is.
There are a few awkward moments and, as mentioned above, some storylines that could have been removed, but if you are looking for a movie that will make you laugh this weekend, see this. It is a fun time for all and well worth seeing on the big screen.
Grade: B+