I've never had a real job before so I don't know how it feels when people say that they hate their bosses, but it's not hard to imagine. People can be incompetent, they can be controlling and power hungry, and they can be real jerks (though I'm sure some of you are thinking of nastier words than that) and if these people are the ones you work for, it can make your life a living hell.
So have you ever imagined killing your boss? Hypothetically speaking of course. That is the question our three misfit heroes ask themselves drinking at a bar one night after a rough day at work. Nick (Jason Batmen) has been working his ass off for eight years under scumbag Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey) hoping to get that big promotion, but doesn't. Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) can only watch as sleazeball Bobby Pellit (Colin Ferrell) takes over the business. And then there's Dale (Charlie Day) who is being sexually harassed by his nymphomaniac boss, Julia Harris, DDS (Jennifer Aniston).
At first they are only kidding, but after further contemplation it suddenly doesn't seem like a bad idea. The only problem of course is that they are just three regular guys who know nothing about killing people, setting up hilarious situations where amateur hour is on full display. For instance on a recon mission breaking into one of the bosses' house, it never occurs to them that perhaps they should be wearing gloves and one of them seems more interested in pulling pranks than in gathering real intel.
Horrible Bosses continues the tradition of dirty adult comedies to come out the past ten years in the spirit of the Judd Apatow comedies and mega-hits The Hangover and Bridesmaids. Being rated R is no longer the death sentence it once was to comedies as audiences' tastes have grown more crass and less sensitive. This movie is really funny in this manner yet doesn't feel overly absurd or vulgar. Funny is just funny.
A lot of it has to do with the stars and Horrible Bosses is loaded. I've always liked Jason Bateman's sarcastic deadpan comedy since Arrested Development. Jason Sudeikis of SNL fame is a decent actor and of the three lead characters is probably the weakest, but that has more to do with the strength of his co-stars than anything. Charlie Day was a supporting character in what I thought was the best romantic comedy of 2010, Going the Distance (another of those aforementioned adult style comedies), but was often the film's funniest part. In Horrible Bosses, Day is able to showcase more of the same type of humor and while not as quite as funny, is still pretty damn funny.
And the bosses? Kevin Spacey is probably the worst boss, but his character isn't necessarily very funny, though he is clearly a real asshole. Colin Ferrell must have had a blast getting into character. He is barely recognizable with that balding hair and those beady little eyes. He has a couple funny one liners that I won't divulge into but he probably has the best lines in the movie. This is also the dirtiest and raunchiest role that Aniston has ever played. Rachel Green would never say the words that Dr. Julia Harris does. Aniston has never looked better and has a couple scenes in skimpy outfits. Nope, no nudity though.
Obviously Horrible Bosses is an absurd film but it works with the strength of the actors and the pure comedy. There is also a nice Strangers on a Train reference for you Hitchcock buffs.
Grade: B+
I'm going to see this in 3 hours! Will check in after, read your post, and comment accordingly!
ReplyDeleteOk just got out!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this movie too, but am probably more in the B- range than B+.
I agree that the cast is loaded. The three main characters are all great in my opinion.
The high caliber actors for the bosses, while all good enough, aren't really more than we see in the trailers. I will say though that I hate Jennifer Aniston with a passion, but dug her in this different role. She actually looked good too. Which for me to admit is the equivalent of hell freezing over.
Don't forget Jamie Foxx as Motherfucker Jones!!! Has to be one of the best film names I can recall. I'm naming my next kid Motherfucker.
Overall, I think the movie played it's part, and was fun and entertaining. It's not a classic comedy or anything, by any means, but it doesn't need to be.
Oh and for the record, I HAVE had horrible bosses, but never seriously contemplated murder because my pessimistic, but practical, ass knows that your given asshole boss is probably just going to get replaced by another asshole. Sad but true.