The party line

Fun in a predictable way, the Melissa McCarthy comedy "Life of the Party" (⋆⋆⋆, rated R) is neither innovative nor a complete waste of downtime. McCarthy plays a newly divorced woman who joins her daughter at college to complete her own unfinished degree. Soon she's partying down as "Dee Rock," the break-dancing queen, and meeting a handsome frat boy. What makes this a little gem of guilty pleasure is the supporting cast, who are milked for maximum effectiveness.

COLIN COVERT

Also coming Tuesday

"Life of the Party"

"On Chesil Beach"

"Measure of a Man"

"Breaking In"

"The Boxcar Children"

"Big Fish & Begonia"