A passion project by McCarthy and her real life husband/director Ben Falcone centers around Tammy, a fast food worker that's having the worst day of her life. Recently fired, finding her husband (Nat Faxon) is cheating on her with the next-door neighbor (Toni Collette). It's the little things like a romantic dinner for two can constitute cheating, her mother (Allison Janney) never believing that when Tammy says she's leaving, always coming back. It takes Grandma (Susan Sarandon) and her wad of cash to set them on the road.
It starts off well but it's after they hit the road is where the film becomes 4 Tammy film shorts. One features on an love interest (Mark Duplass) that's just an all-around good guy for her. Another features an road trip with Grandma featuring random and wacky physical humor as they tour the USA. Third sets on the Fourth of July where inner demons come spewing out while at her Grandma's friends' manor. Finally, an awkward robbery involving paper bags swiftly goes from hilarious to deadly serious drama as Tammy is taken to jail. 2 out of 4 were entertaining.
Thankfully, enough laughs from McCarthy. Don't know how she does it, but effortlessly pulls off one-liners. The cast looks like they are having a great time especially Sarandon and Kathy Bates (in an extended cameo). The ladies know how to deliver when needed and forgiving the incredible age difference of Collette (41), McCarthy (43), Janney (54), and Sarandon (67)...what a messed up family.
Falcone doesn't have a grounded feel on the direction with the pacing of an tortoise and stuffing too much in a 96 minute running time.
Verdict: B-
Tammy still has Melissa McCarthy's charm and make her fans happy enough. Topped with a veteran cast that's all in to make this watchable enough on a Friday night at home.