Rude and Crude, “Horrible Bosses” Has Laughters Aplenty
Responsible for the monstrosity that is Four Christmases, director Seth Gordon attempts to redeem himself with the R-rated comedy Horrible Bosses. The story revolves around three hard-working men who seek the only appropriate response to poor treatment from their respective bosses: murdering them. For a film that seemingly takes place in an alternate universe, is exceedingly desperate, and contrived beyond all comprehension, Horrible Bosses is a rather enjoyable, raunchy comedy with plenty of laughter to be had.
Thankfully, Gordon and screenwriter Michael Markowitz (among others) keep this briskly paced comedy playful and light. The film is reminiscent of last year’s dumbfounded Due Date, in the way reckless behavior is nearly condoned, with little responsibility being taken. But what separates the two ridiculous premises apart, are the actors on screen. Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis were on two totally different playing fields. But in this case, the three principal actors work harmoniously together throughout the film. Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, and the wonderful Jason Bateman have this enjoyable, ingenious chemistry that gives the film a consistently snappy albeit completely juvenile atmosphere.
Horrible Bosses doesn’t quite hit on all cylinders though. The inexcusable lack of originality and the over-the-top, complex plotting prove to be the comedy’s major downfalls. Gordon’s lack of narrative direction is off-putting, and confusing. He drags his simplistic and archetypal characters throughout such clichéd and redundant situations. One such quibble is the character of Jamie Foxx, Motherfucker Jones. Yes, that’s his name, don’t ask. He is the murder “consultant” who isn’t everything he appears to be. His character feels extraneous and forced, coming off as just another opportunity for Foxx to cash in a paycheck.
It all feels inconsequential but this isn’t a picture to be taken too seriously after all. It’s mindless, breezy, and quite lowbrow but that’s all right, though. Following these three dedicated, hard working pals conspiring to murder their awful bosses, the movie morphs from silly to parody to outlandish to absolute lunacy. When the film’s brisk 100-minute run-time is up, the powerhouse cast has managed to rise above the middling material, delivering an affable comedy that provides laughs in spades.
Horrible Bosses is an unapologetic dark comedy that’s crude, rude, and often humorous. Let’s face it, in this economy, who doesn’t want to harm their boss one way or the other?
B-
✭✭1/2/✭✭✭✭
Notes: Rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug material, 100 minutes
You can follow me on twitter @DukeSensation
16 Comments
This looks good! I always like Jason Bateman even in sub-par movies but looks like his second movie w/ Aniston is better than the first one. “… the three principal actors work harmoniously together throughout the film” Nice to hear, I think that helps make it engaging. Btw, how are the bosses in the film (Colin & Kevin)?
Anyway, fortunately I have the best boss ever, I don’t think I ever want anything bad happen to her!
I might check this out this weekend. Happy to see it’s holding pretty well critic-wise (75% RT) and should come #2 at the box office this weekend since I’m the owner in the fantasy league
Ahh, buying into your own product
Anniston is surprisingly funny here. Bateman is good – he plays the same character in all of his films, though.
This might be the zeitgeist comedy of the year. But nothing could knock off what ‘Transformers’ is doing at the box office.
I don’t expect it to. “Transformers” is doing quite well.
I appreciate a good R rated comedy
It’s unapologetic, so that’s refreshing.
Briskly paced is a good way to describe it. Felt like it had just the right pacing, and then ended right about when it should have. I liked it a lot more than this though, no love for Jennifer Aniston throwing caution to the wind? I thought she was excellent!!!
Aniston seems to play the same character in every movie so it was somewhat refreshing to see her play a much different persona. “Somewhat” because I will now forever be scarred when I watch Friends re-runs on TV.
Well, then that’ll teach you to watch “Friends” re-runs, then won’t it?
LOL
Touche.
I can’t help it, it brings back memories.
Nice review! I had mixed feelings when I first saw the trailer to this one. Though, it’s good to hear it does entertain.
Definitely on my must-see list
I am beyond thrilled to see Charlie Day on the big screen. He’s the best part about “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” and there’s nothing funnier that watching this guy flip out and start shrieking. He does that as well or better even than Steve Carell! And way to go Jennifer Aniston for branching out.
Just watched this film a few hours ago. It was entertaining and Charlie Day stole the show. Wished there was more of Colin Farrell, he could have been a much bigger asshole than Spacey and Aniston combined.
Trackbacks