Reviewer Taken to Task for Calling Melissa McCarthy a 'Hippo'
Movie Critic Rex Reed criticized the Plainfield native's weight in a review of her recent movie, "Identity Thief."
On Tuesday morning, National Public Radio listeners heard about a movie review of "Identity Theft" that attacked not only the movie, but also actress and Plainfield native Melissa McCarthy. Tony Sarabia, a host at the Chicago-based NPR station WBEZ (91.5-FM), talked to Nico Lang, who posted a blog on the NPR Web site taking Rex Reed to task for his scathing review.
Among other things, Lang had this to say:
"...McCarthy paid her dues, working her way up through The Groundlings and character acting in everything from Gilmore Girls to Samantha Who and The Back-Up Plan."
In his original New York Observer review, Reed referred to McCarthy as "cacophonous and tractor-sized" as well as saying she is a "gimmick comedian who has devoted her short career to being obese and obnoxious with equal success."
The review, which was dated Feb. 5, has seen the response of many media outlets, including the Huffington Post. On Feb. 8, Ashbey Riley referred to what Reed did as fat shaming and raised the question of a double standard when it comes to obesity in women versus men. On Feb. 10, a post by Juliet Jeske also asks about the discrepency and points out what she sees as a need for women of real body size to be in Hollywood. Lastly, on Feb. 15, the Huffington Post reported that McCarthy's cousin, Jenny McCarthy has come to the defense of the Plainfield native,
"Anyone to attack like that is just wrong and hurtful," she said in the story, "and it doesn't do anyone any good. Not even Rex Reed." Adding, "She's very, very, very talented and people know that. So, he can go to hell."
McCarthy is not only from Plainfield, but has admitted using a 5th grade teacher as inspiration in her role on Mike and Molly.
For her part, McCarthy has not responded to the review. But Reed has.
"I have too many friends that have died of obesity-related illnesses, heart problems and diabetes. … I have helped people try to lose weight, and I don't find this to be the subject of a lot of humor," Reed said according to a story in the Hollywood Reporter.
dogfog
8:15 am on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Why would anybody listen to what Rex Reed has to say anyway. He is a phony!
bree grayson
12:08 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I love her! Funny lady..
What a beautiful picture..
Jacki McHale
12:17 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
She's stunning and talented.
He seems to be jealous and hateful.
He needs to apologize, publicly.
Rozeeta
12:24 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
It was a lousy comment made by a small minded man who spends his life judging the work of others. How about a little self reflection Rex, you're not much to look at. And the size of your nose not only tells me you are a big drinker but Melissa could stand in the shadow of that thing.
Sheila m
1:45 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
If that is all he sees when he watches Melissa McCarthy he is missing a lot indeed. She is a hilarious and talented actress. And by the way, she's beautiful.
HIPPO
2:42 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
bwhahahaha
Kevin Scott
2:51 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Personally I never read reviews. I don't need another person's opinion of something to decide if I am going to see a movie or go to a restaurant. That said, I agree that obesity is nothing to laugh about but Rex Reed missed the point. Melissa did not become obese to be an actress. She is the way she is for whatever reason and has overcome people like Reed and their wanting to put people down that don't fit the "perfect" mold. I applaud Ms. McCarthy for not letting anyone stop her from accomplishing her goals. As for Rex Reed and NPR, why does anyone listen to either?
Mark Donahue
3:55 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I have not seen this movie because it's supposed to be awful. Of course what he said is terrible, and should have been kept in his head. No excuses.
Personally, I have only seen her in the movie Bridesmaids. I hated her character, and found the movie terrible unfunny. Just because a woman is large does not mean that her character should only center around that. Ms. McCarthy seems to have talent, but she needs to pick better roles. I put this on lazy writers, too, who think mocking fat people is funny.
Nathel Betzwiser
4:43 pm on Wednesday, February 20, 2013
I think Melissa is a very taented and beautifu person. I came from Plainfield originally and live in Minooka now, which is close; Never had the privilege of meeting her but would like to have met her. It just goes to show you that you don't have to be skinny to be talented and beautiful. Keep going Melissa , you are great.
Patricia
9:33 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Rex Reed was not trying to "save her life", he was bullying. It should have not mattered what size, color or gender she is, what should have mattered is the movie and her performance. Stand up against Bullies! He should apologize!
ron
1:50 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
I walked out of the Movie Identity thief because her character was so annoying..she needs to stop playing these roles. It makes us fat people look really bad!
Bill Konn
2:19 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2013
Sometimes Freedom of the Press is a little too free. Reed needs to take a long look into a mirror, and lets see if he can come up with a comment then.