R. Kurt Osenlund of '' Slant Magazine '' gave the film a positive review , rating it 3 out of 4 stars , praising McCarthy 's performance , writing that she " gives a performance leagues better than anything to be expected in a mainstream , early-in-the-year release , padding a typically sketched character with layers of hilarity and pathos . McCarthy owns ' Identity Thief ' with a turn of limitless surprise , making an otherwise adequate comedy soar as a star vehicle . She is riveting in simply-penned moments of remorse and confession , adding tearful depth to her ace timing and formidable physical comedy . " In his negative review , Rex Reed made several references to Melissa McCarthy 's weight , referring to her as " tractor-sized " , " humongous " , " obese " , and a " hippo " . Reed 's comments immediately attracted wide criticism from various film critics and the film industry at large . Film critic Richard Roeper said , " This just smacks of mean-spirited name-calling in lieu of genuine criticism . " On Twitter , Paul Feig , who directed McCarthy in '' Bridesmaids '' and '' The Heat '' , wrote , " I cordially invite Mr. Rex Reed to go fuck himself . " The review was referenced at the 85th Academy Awards on February 24 , 2013 by the host , Seth MacFarlane , who joked that Reed would review Adele for singing " Skyfall " at the ceremony . In a column for '' The Huffington Post '' , Candy Spelling likened Reed 's review to bullying
85th Academy Awards
85th Academy Awards
Identity Thief