Thunder Force (2021)

Thunder Force was filmed in Atlanta, and shot over a course of three months, it concluded it's principle photography by the end of 2019. Making it one of the last few movies unhindered by the pandemic. Thunder Force marks the sixth collaborative effort between  Writer/Director Ben Falcone and his wife Melissa McCarthy.   With what feels like a fixed budget and possibly time constraints the movie has only a few set pieces. However, within those pieces we are given stellar art direction, and an adequate amount of special effects to tell its story which was a derivative of being superhero movie with an origins story.

Married for 17 years, the duo have been in a relationship for nearly 21 years, Ben and Melissa met working with the ‘groundlings’ an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe.  Falcone who self references himself as an actor and producer, has made a few cameo appearances in some of McCarthy’s films.  (The Heat, Spy, Identity Thief, Happytime Murders, and Bridesmaids)

Ben Falcone, now  an established author had cut his teeth creatively being a writer and music composer for Looney tunes, he will be releasing a limited series titled ‘God’s Favorite Idiot’ sometime in 2022.  It is also to note that Falcone who began as actor has kept largely producing in the genre of, comedy or light hearted projects.   He has written, directed, or produced six projects that McCarthy has starred in, all of which were the ones that critics have panned the most on, when reflecting upon Melissa McCarthy complete body of work.  The first project was Tammy (2014)  a script they worked on  together with the initial intent of being an indie film, they sold it as a script first, largely in part of Melissa clout and knowing producers to read and give it a chance.  The script was designed to showcase Melissa’s range and skill set outside of the fast talking and cute best friend characters that she developed in television with Gilmour Girls and Samantha Who?.

As a married couple that collaborates in both writing and developing, the duo takes large swings in the comedy by tying in equal amalgams of drama and edgy tension, albeit tension catering to a broader form of comedy.  

The latest project was the Netflix exclusive ‘Thunder Force’, an original intellectual property that really parodies the superhero genre.  With the help of acclaimed actress Octavia Spencer, the film begins on childhood, establishing the bond and complexities of the heroes.  As it carries over and connects them to the present and their relationship moving forward as the city’s protectors.

The film keeps the raunchy, physical comedy that has made Melissa McCarthy a household name, and not since Life of the Party, has a defined love interest for her character.  As the star, Melissa McCarthy takes a commanding role and spotlights the leading woman in the romantic relationship as well as anchoring the pace and tone of the overall film.   Ben & Melissa had Just completed filming the movie Super Intelligence four months prior , when they re-cast Bobby Cannavale  who was her leading man /love interest in that film.  With the chemistry and ease of working together; They had Bobby play the antagonist know as ‘The King’ and really kept a character at odds with her character, and once again took big swings in both broad comedy and its physicality of superheroes  battling for the city.

Looking back, a year removed from the release date on Netflix; the movie has an earnest collection of actors doing what the script calls for them to do, but it does feel it out stayed its welcome.  There are purposeful cliché, and over the top physical comedy.   Jason Bateman’s charismatic Crab Character is a shining spotlight and gives the movie some value and heart.  Unfortunately it is just one of the many soon to be forgotten streaming service movies that have been deemed middle of the road.