Life of the Party (I) (2018) User Reviews

Maya Rudolph is the GOAT

[hugo-aguirre-77226 · 7/10 · 29 January 2019]

I watched the movie because of Jessie Ennis as I'm a great fan of her dead pan acting skills. Yes the movie is kinda predictable but it never pretended not to be. But Maya made me howl with laughter in the restaurant scene and I would watch the whole movie again and again if that was the only way to see her do that scene.

Not sure why everyone is hating on this film???

[youngma-38036 · 7/10 · 12 May 2018]

I thought this was a hilarious movie and I was pleasantly surprised at the positive energy the characters had and there were some good twists. People who are hating this movie must be pretty close minded because I laughed out loud quite a bit. If you had a fun college/party experience in your past and have a great, fun mom, you will see the humor in it. Sure, it's your average comedy/college movie but I thought it was great! Would recommend seeing it as a mom/daughter experience but my boyfriend loved it too. Also, Maya Rudolph is amazing as always.

WAY Funnier than I expected!!!

[paulpoleonsr · 7/10 · 12 May 2018]

I got dragged to this movie because my wife wanted to see it. I went in with low expectations based on the reviews here, don't listen to them. This movie was definitely funny. It is your classic Melissa McCarthy movie, lots of physical comedy; but also a typical sorority/frat college movie minus nudity. Reminded me of back to school meets house bunny meets Melissa McCarthy. It tried too hard for laughs at some points but most McCarthy comedies do. Definitely worth the watch I was expecting sitting for 2 hours hating life, as most movies my wife wants to see usually are, but this was actually pretty damn funny.

Light hearted comedyt

[Gordon-11 · 2 July 2018]

This film tells the story of a woman undergoing a divorce, who decides to go to college with her daughter to finish the degree she has not finished.

It is a brain off, feel good film. It features a lot of light hearted fun, and I find it enjoyable.

Loved it!!!

[raretxpanda · 7/10 · 12 May 2018]

I laughed my butt off throughout the movie!! It's NOT a copycat of Back To School! The stories are very different. I actually liked this better than BtS with Rodney Dangerfield. It's definitely a girl power movie. I will be buying this when it's on DVD.

Haters... Haters Everywhere.

[JakeLacher · 7/10 · 11 May 2018]

No, this movie was not extraordinary. But dang people have so much hate inside them. It wasn't a strong story, but I laughed out loud a good handful of times. Is it ridiculous? At times dumb? Of course. Can moviegoers get over it? Evidently not. But the movie was neither a waste of time nor money.

I also love a good, crazy Maya Rudolph role.

(People still waiting for a Melissa McCarthy movie to change the course of humanity, you need to move along)

I really wanted to like this movie

[mattvolland · 3/10 · 2 June 2018]

When you're watching a comedy and start wondering when you're going to laugh, you know there's a problem. There are some funny moments, Maya Rudolph is good and McCarthy does some physical comedy, but the laughs were few and far between. The only people in the theater who were laughing were the two women next to me and they laughed at nearly everything, so I don't think that's a good judge.

I love Melissa McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone, who co wrote the movie, but this was a miss. Want to laugh during a McCarthy movie? Try The Heat, Spy, Bridesmaids or The Boss. This film wasn't as bad as Tammy, another movie I really wanted to like, but it was disappointing.

OK comedy with some overcooked moments

[neil-476 · 7/10 · 11 May 2018]

As daughter Maddie enters her final year at university, mum Deanna is brutally dumped by her husband, and so decides to return to university to complete the degree she gave up to have Maddie. Maddie is not amused.

Written by Melissa McCarthy and her husband (who directs it), this comedy treads fairly familiar ground. It's not unfunny (though nowhere near as funny as it thinks it is), and has an identifiable emotional core.

I found the suggestion that hot student Jack (who looks like a cross between Harry Potter if he was normal height, and Jake Gyllenhaal) would become sexually besotted by short, portly forty-something Deanna strained my credibility somewhat, but it worked fairly well as a comedy dynamic.

The final fund-raising payoff was also a tad unconvincing, but never mind.

This is a time-passer, nothing more.

A Waste of Time

[augustkellerwrites · 3/10 · 4 June 2018]

Life of the Party is the most painful film I have sat through in many years. It's story lacks any focus or insight and it's characters are maddeningly inconsistent. It's direction is practically nonexistent as scenes are never sure of when to end or what they are culminating to. While Maya Rudolph and others are sometimes refreshing, much of this cast provided limited performances. All around, Life of the Party feels like a mess slapped together by people who couldn't be bothered with ideas of craft.

Melissa McCarthy does provide good energy with her positive confidence but it is not enough to carry such a half-baked project. Improvisation can be a wonderful technique for comedy but when a film seems to have improvised its entire production, it comes across as unprofessional and lazy. Ideas, characters and plot points enter and exit this movie with such carelessness that everything ends up feelings like nothing. Sporadic funny moments are nice but do not offset how insulting this whole experience is. Life of the Party is a dump of a film and a waste of time.

Writing: 1/10 Direction: 1/10 Cinematography: 3/10 Acting: 3/10 Editing: 1/10 Sound: 5/10 Score/Soundtrack: 5/10 Production Design: 3/10 Casting: 3/10 Effects: 4/10

Overall Score: 2.9/10

Underrated

[shelleyalevin · 7/10 · 9 April 2022]

I really find this movie adorable. I giggled throughout. Melissa McCarthy is irresistible and Maya Rudolph steals every scene she's in. It's just fun and silly, it's not a movie that says anything important about anything important in terms of society, relationships, women, etc. Just take it as an easy, enjoyable watch.

One laugh in first 25 minutes

[Dan_L · 1/10 · 29 May 2018]

Yes, my wife and I laughed once in the first 25 minutes of this dreadful, brainless, and frighteningly unfunny film (and that was when Melissa McCarthy's character gets blown across the lawn). I realize that this film appeals to the funny bones of some viewers, but objectively speaking it is a very sorry excuse for a comedy. We both like Melissa McCarthy. We really enjoyed her in "The Heat," "Bridesmaids," and "St Vincent" where she really got to act. She's been great on "Saturday Night Live." But in this film, she's got lousy material to work with and she sinks to its level. With one laugh in 25 minutes, we availed ourselves of the local theater's 30-minute satisfaction guarantee and walked out of the theater and received a refund of the ticket price. It's the first time we've done that since "Dennis the Menace" in 1993.

Why all the hate?

[Top_Dawg_Critic · 9/10 · 29 July 2018]

I'm shocked at this low score. I guess you're either a fan of Melissa McCarthy or you're not, and seeing that I am, I really enjoyed this film. It was constant laughs and one scene where I can't remember laughing so hard for so long - I had to rewind that scene 3x I laughed so hard! The writing was cute and had a heartfelt story. The acting, directing and editing was all perfect. Casting couldn't have been any better, and Maya Rudolph nailed it! I really enjoyed this and am sure you will too. This is the perfect amount of comedy, drama, and a heartfelt story, so you will laugh and probably tear up. A well deserved 9/10 from me!

Cute Movie with Mother-Daughter in College

[ShelbyTMItchell · 7/10 · 23 May 2018]

It is a cute movie as stars that of Melissa McCarthy as a devoted wife and mother whom has her jerk of a husband leave her for a younger real estate woman.

And while the McCarthy character wants to finish something and devoted her life to him and putting up with him. She goes to college to finish her degree and her daughter is at the same college. At first the daughter is not amused. But her friends take an instant liking to her needing a much needed mother figure.

And it shows that she learns a thing or two about college life and the kids begin to grow on her. As she also tries to come to terms with her husband leaving her.

Anything with Melissa McCarthy is great and funny!

What was this

[jamie440 · 1/10 · 12 May 2018]

I like Mellisa McCarthy but this was just a nothing film. No real laughs and a pointless predictable plot that has been done a million times.

It reminded me of the show Brian and James wood wrote on family guy minus the monkey.

Again?

[hebona1399 · 10 May 2018]

So Hollywood has really run out of ideas. This is such a worn out storyline. Melissa McCarthy looked to be a break out player, but then does this crap. Now she looks to be the next Rob Schneider, which is not a good thing. Instead of paying to see this movie you'd have more fun dropping your cash in the toilet and flushing it.

Kind of a waste

[linzleetpe · 6/10 · 11 June 2020]

The story was supposed to be good, and the cast is definitely good, however it just wasn't as entertaining as it could've been. I blame the editing, it just doesn't keep the momentum going, sometimes you can feel a funny note coming but it drags too long so you lose anticipation. Also they rely on Melissa too much for most of the scenes, they lose a lot of sparkles interactions with other actors could've created, I feel the whole movie I was watching one person doing and saying things, other people didn't really have to exist. I started watching it at lunch, went back to working, and finished it at dinner, it didn't stay in my mind between the meals or after I finished it. Good time killer but not something I'd watch again.

Back to School

[nogodnomasters · 7/10 · 18 July 2018]

Following her divorce Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) opts to finish her degree at Decatur with her daughter (Molly Gordon). At this point the film was very cliche (there is only so much you can do) and I did like the later restaurant scene. The wedding reception, class presentation, and the cat fight scenes didn't work well.

It was nice to see Melissa doing a film where she doesn't mope about her weight. The movie had its moments.

Guide: No swearing or nudity. Implied sex.

Biggest waste of talent

[longant · 2/10 · 31 July 2019]

Melissa McCarthy, Mia Rudolph, Gillian Jacobs. This movie should've been so much better but was a huge disappointment. It was like a culmination of every college comedy filled to the brim with seltzer.

Another Melissa McCarthy film

[AngelHonesty · 6/10 · 8 October 2020]

You are either a fan of Melissa McCarthy or you are not. As per usual she took on her normal role, bringing humour and laughter to the film with her usual style. Somethings were a little over done taking away from the comedy, most of it was very predictable, but it was still fun to watch. Not the best comedy, but not the worst either.

Movie pass is slowly ruining my life (some spoilers)

[xshanex-54161 · 2/10 · 16 May 2018]

Well, thank God this was free, because I literally laughed one time. (I'm giving it two stars only for the one laugh, and the sake of effort)

It was like a 2 hour episode of fuller house that wanted to be Back to School, but had the comedic value of the most embarrassing sitcoms of all time.

The story everyone is saying is so Touching, is actually absurdly simple minded, and flat out dull. I guess if 50 years olds sleeping with kids that turn out to be their ex husbands new wive's son, is inspirational to you... than have at it.

This movie is so incredibly stupid and unfunny that I actually felt shameful that I dedicated the time and effort to sitting all the way through it.

Thanks movie pass, for lowering my standards so bad that I'll virtually sit through anything now to find a reason to have theater popcorn on a day off...

Good lord... avoid this turd. It's awful.

Hilarious moments mixed with such awkwardness

[jaredhull · 7/10 · 21 February 2019]

This movie confuses me so much. On one hand, there were several cringeworthy moments that made me uncomfortable (such as some of the mother-daughter conversations and many of the frat boyfriend scenes) and on the other hand, there were many hilarious parts (I was literally crying during her oral midterm presentation.). The cast was great and it was a heart warming movie. Doesn't deserve some of the harsher criticism it gets.

far too much chatter, little happens -> boredom

[gilgongo1980 · 2/10 · 3 April 2020]

The story: After her divorce from her husband, Melissa McCarthy goes back to university. There she celebrates parties and finally gets her graduation. The film doesn't really have a real plot. There is much uninteresting and superfluous talk, nothing happens, so it often gets boring. I didn't laugh or smile during the film because nothing was funny. Overall, an unfunny flop.

I don't understand all the bad reviews

[jameson129-848-491951 · 8/10 · 21 January 2019]

I usually don't review movies unless I have a strong opinion. I was just baffled at people being so critical. This isn't some work of film, it's a comedy. Yes it is far fetched and unrealistic, but it's not meant to be some cohesive masterpiece, it's just comedy.

I'm very critical of comedy, but laughed throughout this entire movie. Sometimes in new comedy the endless one-liners get kind of tiring, but this one I was dying. Also when I watched the preview I wasn't convince it would be funny, so that almost deterred me also.

Sweet film

[shakes77 · 6/10 · 18 May 2020]

Totally unrealistic in parts but will warm your heart

Even with Melissa McCarthy and the cast trying, Life of the Party feels like a blander and more boing Back to School

[RforFilm · 4/10 · 18 May 2018]

You know what is funny? Children going into the adult world and not knowing what to do. You know what's also funny? Adults returning to a youthful place and seeing that they're not hip. Many college movies don't show this, but there are always a fair amount of older adults that have returned to school. I think theirs an image that if someone has to return to school or even start later in life, then their a failure. A long with being completely untrue, Returning to school can actually give you a better understanding where things are economically and reinforce the notion that we never stop learning.

Having said that, when you have to go to school at the same time your children ...and maybe attend the same one, that too opens up the comedy gates. In fact, Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield is an underrated comedy that understands the awkwardness of a father/son team up and of how Dangerfield's eccentric behavior made him popular rather then an outcast. That's what's beautiful about college movies; they can be unpredictable and thus open all kinds of possibilities. So with the idea of Life of the Party doing something similar, you'd hope for something funny, right?

Homemaker mom Deanna Miles (Played by Melissa McCarthy) is sending off her daughter Maddie (played by Molly Gordon) for her senior year in school. Just as their leaving, Deanna's husband Dan asks for a divorce. This also leads her into losing her home and forcing her to stay at her parents place. Sensing that she needs a bigger change and a new direction, she decides to return to college as she gave up her last year to raise her daughter. Her decision to go back to her alma mater, which is also Maddie's school, isn't her daughter's favorite choice, but supports her mother to let it slide.

Deanna studies away to get her degree in Archeology, while also being reintroduced to the world of college, which includes frat parties, hookups in the library and dealing with an odd roommate. After she's given a makeover from her daughter, Deanna starts to become more popular on campus. This goes as far as getting her enducted into her daughters sorority. Deanna seems to have a lot of goals in mind including helping everyone, becoming a teacher, and spiting her ex husband.

While Back to School took advantage of Rodney Dangerfield's character and set a clear goal, Life of the Party seems to be lacking a clear goal and a relatable character. Melissa McCarthy is a talented woman, but she is someone who benefits from good direction and a good script. Director Ben Falcone seems to be focused on the mother/daughter aspect, which can work, but not only takes the predictable route, but doesn't create much contrast between them. Again, comedy only works when you can make some good contrast. You can't have both be the straight woman. Why couldn't her daughter be more of a satire on Millennials or why not let Melissa McCarthy be more on a living-in-the-past mom?

I'll admit that I did laugh at a couple of jokes: mainly the ones involving her daughter's sorority sisters. Many of these young woman all have good timing and know how to play off of each other. I think I would have preferred to get a movie around them. Melessia McCarthy is trying, but seems to be in her own movie. I can't say that it's really bad, but it's just very bland and a repeat of college tropes. Plus, it runs too long without much of a plot other then graduating.

I'll give this four college dorm dry eraser boards out of ten. Like a lot of bad comedies that focuses on the same clichés, this is another autopilot movie. It may have fans whose never seen these kinds of movies, but Back to School is a way better version of this story. Life of the Party makes me want to attend someone else's party.