Take That, Critics: ‘Identity Thief’ Grosses $11.2M On First Day

Posted February 9, 2013, 5:07 pm   •   by Peggy Truong   •   1 comments

A Nor’easter named Nemo and bad reviews didn’t stop moviegoers from buying tickets to Identity Thief on Friday.

The comedy starring Melissa McCarthy and Jason Bateman opened to a strong $11.2 million on its first day, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, could finish the weekend on top with $34.8 million.

The film, which gives McCarthy’s first starring role since 2011’s Bridesmaids, beat out the other newcomer of the weekend Side Effects, which grossed around $3 million.

Despite a star-studded cast that also includes Amanda Peet, Jon Favreau and rapper T.I. Identity Thief has not received the kindest of words from critics.

“Identity Thief is essentially a sloppy ‘80s character comedy with a sleeker 2013 editing and scripting sensibility,” Tasha Robinson of The A.V. Club wrote, comparing it to director Seth Gordon’s other miss, Horrible Bosses.

Peter Debruge of Variety called the picture’s storyline “meager” while The Wrap’s Alonso Duralde says the film squanders Bateman’s “gifts.”

Did you catch Identity Thief this weekend? What else did you see at the movies? Share your comments below.