Spy

A CIA desk-jockey (Melissa McCarthy) goes into the field to infiltrate a nuclear arms deal—and avenge the death of the agent who was her secret crush (Jude Law). Writer-director Paul Feig, who guided McCarthy to an Oscar nomination for Bridesmaids, does her an even bigger favor here: He's given her the movie and the role for which she'll be remembered. The result is both a riotous spoof that grows funnier by the minute and a stylish example of the genre it's spoofing, with a clever plot full of twists and surprises—for example, a hilarious turn by Jason Statham (who knew he had such a flair for comedy?) sending up his ultra-macho persona. Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale and Allison Janney round out a swell supporting cast. Sequels are inevitable—and if they're this good, they'll be welcome. J.L.