Off-balance screenplay ruins potential of 'Identity Thief'

Identity theft affects an estimated millions of people, leading to months of worry and stress. It’s hardly a laughing matter. Nor is Seth Gordon’s brash comedy.

A smash hit on the other side of the Atlantic, ‘Identity Thief’ pits a kind-hearted family man (Jason Bateman) against the feisty con woman (‘Bridesmaids’ scene-stealer Melissa McCarthy) who has pilfered his personal details.