Storyline: When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college…landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna—now Dee Rock—embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.
I found this movie very similar to the 1987 Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School but with a fresh McCarthy infusion. They both share a similar main plot of a fun and experienced parent going to college with their kid and the fact that a breakup with their spouse ignites the parent’s decision to do so. If you’re a McCarthy fan, this comedy about mid-life crisis, enduring friendships, and the perseverance of moms has it’s moments that are sure to entertain you. Just think what it would be like if McCarthy went back to school and you’ve got Life of the Party. Not surprising since she had her hand in writing and producing it.
This New Line Cinema’s comedy “Life of the Party” stars Melissa McCarthy under the direction of Ben Falcone. The film also stars Gillian Jacobs (“Don’t Think Twice,” “Love,” “Community”), Maya Rudolph (“Bridesmaids,” “Sisters”), Julie Bowen (“Modern Family”), Matt Walsh (“Veep,” “Ghostbusters”), Molly Gordon (“Love the Coopers,” “Animal Kingdom”), with Stephen Root (“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”), and Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver (“Silver Linings Playbook,” “Animal Kingdom”), Jessie Ennis (“Better Call Saul”), Adria Arjona (“True Detective,” “Emerald City”), Debby Ryan (“Jessie”) and Jimmy O. Yang (“Silicon Valley”).
McCarthy and Falcone co-wrote the screenplay and produced through their production company, On the Day. Chris Henchy also produced the film, with Toby Emmerich, Richard Brener, Michael Disco and David Siegel serving as executive producers.
Falcone’s behind-the-scenes creative team included director of photography Julio Macat (“The Boss,” “Horrible Bosses 2,” “Daddy’s Home”); production designer Rusty Smith (“The Boss”); editor Brian Olds (“Central Intelligence”); and costume designer Louise Mingenbach (the “The Hangover” films). The music is by Fil Eisler (“How to Be Single,” “Empire”).
New Line Cinema Presents, an On the Day Production, “Life of the Party.” It was released in theaters on May 11, 2018. The film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company on Blu-ray and DVD August 7th and is available to own It NOW on Digital HD. It has been rated PG-13 and has a running time of 1 hour, 44 minutes. Get it on AMAZON, Target.com, or Walmart.com
for your next Mom and Daughter movie night!
