Life of the Party - Review

Life of the Party is in theaters on May 11th, 2018.

Life of the Party stars Melissa McCarthy as a housewife named Deanna who gets abruptly left by her husband. She joins her graduating senior daughter in college as a result to avoid the regret of dropping out years ago. Can McCarthy deliver the laughs in this movie or is it time for the party to end?

When I first saw the trailer for this movie all I could think of was Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School and how funny that movie was. I had medium hopes for this one to be as funny because of how Melissa McCarthy’s latest Movies have been somewhat of a miss.

I must say I was pleasantly surprised after watching because McCarthy did not disappoint. There was many times when I laughed to the point that I could not even hear the next joke because me and the rest of the audience had a deep belly laugh. It had been so long for a recent comedy movie to do so.

The supporting cast definitely helped boosts these laughs, especially Maya Rudolph as Deanna’s best friend named Christine. She may have been at her finest in a movie so far because of her dedicated to being the quirky yet so supportive friend. Also the people attending college with Deanna were eccentric yet fit so well together.

The plot went in varying directions from funny to serious to somewhere in between but it meshed well. It has a pure feeling to it and allows the viewer to kick back and just take in the comedic value of it as well as the touching moments too.

With Mother’s Day coming up soon this would be a great movie to watch with your mom. It has enough jokes to keep you laughing from beginning to end and also reminds you that you can do whatever you set your heart to finishing through.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ashley (Senior Contributor) is an Orlando native who loves watching movies. Her favorite genres include comedies, thrillers and sci-fi.
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I feel like Melissa Mcarthy movies are hit or miss, this one was definitely a hit! Reminiscent of Old School mixed with bridesmaids, you will be laughing the entire time.

Melissa plays Deanna, a stay at home mom who’s daughter is in her senior year of college. She decides to go back to school after her husband asks for a divorce because he met a younger woman.

She befriends all of her daughters friends, becoming the mom of the sorority and hilarity ensues. Every college experience you could have - she has them! My favorite is the 80’s theme party - I was laughing so hard! The movie also has heart and will make you appreciate your mother, and might also make you want to go back to school!

I’ve seen some negative reviews for this movie - Go see it for yourself, you’ll have a fun time and some good laughs!

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Ashley K. (Contributor) is a frequent traveler currently living in San Diego. She's a super nerd who enjoys all kinds of movies and doesn't always think the book was better.
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Let me start by saying I LOVE Melissa McCarthy. Loved her in Gilmore Girls and always make a point to try to see her movies when they come out. That being said, I am sorry to say Life of the Party was – for lack of a better word, LAME. It was lame. That’s the best way that I can put it. It felt grossly disconnected to the real college experience, or the costs (I’m sorry, 28,000 a year??????? I WISH that’s what my college tuition costed.) Maybe it’s because I can still be considered a recent college grad, but this just felt like it completely missed the millennial generation. My mom, though, would probably love it.

McCarthy stars as loving housewife Deanna, who turns back to finishing her semester at college after her douchebag husband reveals he’s having an affair and wants a divorce. This leaves her with basically nothing. Basically a week later, McCarthy just gets to enroll right in college, start classes the same day, and magically excel in everything after not having any type of continuing education in 20+ years. This also happens to be the same college her daughter Maddie is attending. Her daughter and her sorority welcome Deanna with open arms and no one finds it weird when Deanna rolls up to college parties to drink. Not sure about those college kids, but when I was in college any ADULT at a party was probably a NARC…

The movie just felt disconnected with an overall plot, and I got bored. Random plot points progress throughout the movie, like Deanna having an affair with the hottest kid on campus with virtually no conversation or reasoning as to HOW that would happen, or Debby Ryan playing a random bully who wants to fight a 40 year old woman. I only genuinely laughed maybe twice – when a big twist comes out at a restaurant, and when Deanna gives an oral presentation in her class. Those were the highlights, as was Maya Rudolph. She stole any scene she was in and I wish there had been more of her. Honestly, if you’re a millennial, I wouldn’t go in with high expectations, however if you’re taking your mom – she might love it.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Lauren (Contributor) is born and raised in South Jersey. When she isn’t yelling at Philly sports teams on the TV, she enjoys seeing the latest action films and true crime documentaries.
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