FILM: HORRIBLE BOSSES
Review By Duncan McLeod
Director: Seth Gordon.
Cast: Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeiki, Jaime Foxx and Donald Sutherland.
Synopsis: For Nick, Kurt and Dale, the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses into dust. Quitting is not an option, so, with the benefit of a few-too-many drinks and some dubious advice from a hustling ex-con, the three friends devise a convoluted and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their respective employers…permanently. There’s only one problem: even the best laid plans are only as foolproof as the brains behind them. Produced by Jay Stern.
Review:
If HORRIBLE BOSSES is remembered for one thing, it will be that it was the film that allowed Jennifer Aniston to finally let go of her ‘Rachel’ baggage. Her character Julia is the most shockingly vulgar of the film. Her interactions with Day’s character are bawdy and hilarious and whilst not being the sole source of humour, it goes a long way towards being the film’s highpoint.
BATEMAN, SUDEIKIS & DAY are great. They seem to have a fluent chemistry that propels the film nicely. Whilst Bateman is the most well-known of the three, Day and Sudeikis are quite adept at their comedy and bring a fresh approach to the film.
Kevin Spacey and Colin Farrell were both interesting casting choices. Farrell’s character physically resembles that of Tom Cruise’s from TROPIC THUNDER. Farrell’s character however is both meaner and less humorous. This role seems to be the beginning of a rebirth for Farrell as he has the remake of FRIGHT NIGHT out in the US and the TOTAL RECALL remake on the horizon. If BOSSES is the baseline for the new Farrell then his re-appearance on our screens is a very good thing.
Kevin Spacey didn’t need to make this film. His world tour of RICHARD III will do more than enough to reaffirm to movie and theatre-goers that Spacey is a rare talent. This reviewer is so glad he appeared though. The role of Dave Harken feels like an amalgam of his character from AMERICAN BEAUTY with a little of the USUAL SUSPECTS thrown in.
Supporting roles from Jamie Foxx and Donald Sutherland are utilised sparingly. Sutherland doesn’t appear enough for the audience to get to know him and Foxx perhaps has only one good line.
Director Seth Gordon has packaged a film that is worthy of being labelled ‘the new HANGOVER’ though this movie is riddled with much more slapstick comedy.
On the day of the Australian premiere this reviewer read that a sequel was already being planned, and when we quizzed Bateman about it he remained tight lipped. If and when there is a sequel though, this reviewer will be at the front of the queue.
WATCH MY RED CARPET INTERVIEW THAT AIRED ON THE PRIMATE LIVE:
I loved this movie the entire cast was just great. Plus it doesnt hurt i’m a huge fan of Bateman ever since Arrested Development and love Day on Always Sunny In Philadelphia. Jennifer Aniston was just hot in this film, its like she decided to let loose a little. All in all a great film that if they did make a sequel I would probably be there opening night.
excellent Kyle as you can see I loved it too. Thanks for commenting !
I thought this movie was hilarious and what a change for Jennifer Aniston! Such an unlikeable character! I also hope there is a sequel as I would love to see too!
Yes Karen, definitely a change in direction for Aniston!