A Hilarious Case of Mistaken Identity in Paradise

Initial release: 13 May 2020
Genre: Comedy/Romance
Director: Tyler Spindel
Cinematographer: Theo Van de Sande
Budget: TBA (as of 27 April 2024)
Box office: Released on Netflix

“You’re lucky I’m not the jealous type. In fact, if you want to f**kface me, I’m totally cool with it.” – Missy (played by Lauren Lapkus)

4 MIN Read Time

Let’s face it, blind dates can be a gamble. Netflix’s 2020 comedy, “The Wrong Missy,” directed by Tyler Spindel, takes that gamble and throws it off a cliff, landing us in a hilarious mess of mistaken identity and tropical chaos.

The film stars David Spade as Tim Morris, a recently single businessman who finally connects with his dream girl, the intelligent and beautiful Kate (Molly Sims). After a whirlwind romance, Tim excitedly invites Kate to his company’s mandatory retreat in Hawaii. But in a classic case of texting blunders, Tim accidentally invites his disastrous blind date, Missy (Lauren Lapkus), instead.

Missy, it turns out, is the absolute opposite of Kate. Loud, unpredictable, and with a penchant for public meltdowns, Missy throws Tim’s carefully constructed plans into disarray. The film follows Tim’s desperate attempts to keep his mistake under wraps while navigating the awkward social dynamics of a work retreat with his nightmare date in tow.

While the plot might sound familiar, the cast elevates “The Wrong Missy” to something truly special. Spade, known for his dry wit and sarcastic delivery, is perfectly cast as the uptight Tim. His frustration with Missy’s antics is palpable, but Spade also manages to convey a growing sense of begrudging respect for her unconventional ways.

Lauren Lapkus steals the show as Missy. She brings a fearless energy to the role, transforming what could have been a one-note character into a hilarious force of nature. Lapkus is adept at both physical comedy and witty one-liners, leaving you in stitches with every outburst. The chemistry between Spade and Lapkus is undeniable, making their on-screen dynamic both hilarious and surprisingly heartwarming.

Island Antics and Happy Madison Humour

Production for “The Wrong Missy” began in March 2019 on the beautiful Hawaiian island of Oahu. Interestingly, the film reunites Adam Sandler’s Happy Madison production company with a number of Saturday Night Live alumni, including Spade, Rob Schneider (who plays Tim’s overly enthusiastic co-worker), and David Arquette (in a hilarious cameo). While Sandler himself doesn’t appear on screen, his comedic influence is evident in the film’s DNA. The outrageous situations and slapstick humour are sure to please fans of classic Happy Madison comedies like “Billy Madison” and “Grown Ups.”

Critical Reception: A Mixed Bag, But a Hit with Audiences

Critically, “The Wrong Missy” received a mixed bag of reviews. Some publications, like Rolling Stone, praised the film’s comedic timing and Lapkus’ breakout performance, while others, such as Roger Ebert, found the humour juvenile and the plot predictable. However, where the film truly shines is in its ability to deliver laugh-out-loud moments and a surprisingly sweet message about embracing the unexpected.

More Than Just Laughs: A Heartwarming Surprise

“The Wrong Missy” might not be breaking new cinematic ground, but it doesn’t need to. It sets out to be a funny, escapist rom-com, and it delivers in spades (pun intended). The film is full of quotable lines, awkward situations that make you cringe with laughter (think surprise dolphin encounter!), and a healthy dose of physical humour that had audiences roaring. But beneath the surface-level laughs, there’s a sweetness to the film’s central message. As Tim and Missy are forced to spend time together, they discover there’s more to each other than first impressions. Tim loosens up and embraces a little spontaneity, while Missy learns the value of self-acceptance.

The Final Sip: A Must-Watch for Comedy Fans

“The Wrong Missy” is a perfect example of a film that’s greater than the sum of its parts. It’s a hilarious escape with a surprisingly heartwarming message. So, grab a mai tai (or your beverage of choice) and settle in for a hilarious island getaway with Tim, Missy, and the rest of the outrageous crew. You might just find yourself pleasantly surprised, and with a newfound appreciation for the unexpected turns life can take, just like that wrong text that sent Tim on a hilarious Hawaiian adventure.

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