Wacky and totally unimaginative, the movie Corporate Animals achieves the comedy, but earns a zero for horror. It may get a little messy for some, but not any more than what you’ve seen already. And because it is a comedy, I’ll forgive Demi Moore and Ed Helms for appearing in the predictable and anemic film.
Here’s how it goes. Company CEO Lucy (Demi Moore), whose invention edible silverware made her a lot of money, has moved on to other products to discover. But, her staff of Jess (Jessica Williams), Billy (Dan Bakkedahl), Derek (Isiah Whitlock, Jr), May (Jennifer Kim), Aidan (Calum Worthy), Freddie (Karan Soni), Gloria (Martha Kelly) and Suzy (Nasim Pedrad) are just not making the grade at the company so she decides to whip them in shape with an outing in New Mexico. With the help of notable guide Brandon (Ed Helms), they will team-build by spelunking the most difficult caves in America.
Not all are up for the task, but they know where their paycheck comes from and reluctantly enter the first leg of their trek. Not too much of a challenge thus far, the group makes it to the “cathedral cavern” the jewel of the cave system. When disaster strikes closing them inside, the team starts to show their true colors with no help from Lucy.
Director of the silly script Patrick Brice, who was innovative with the comedy swinger film The Overnight, tries his best with the testy script. However, extremely high on the predictability meter, the hapless dialogue delivery and with nothing original, Corporate Animals does him in.
Not much more to say except, if Demi wants to make a comeback she needs to choose more wisely. I’ll bet she would love to erase this faux pas off her list of credits. As for one of my favorites Ed Helms, it’s best to keep doing what you do best and this wasn’t one of them. However, your performance in Tag in 2018 is still memorable and this cameo performance shouldn’t bother your credit’s list.
Corporate Animals has been rated R for pervasive language, sexual content, some gore and brief nudity. The film’s comedy is mostly based on bullying, sarcasms and eating rotting flesh.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Not a good choice unless horror fans have nothing else to watch this weekend. (1 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Demi Moore, Ed Helms, Jessica Williams
Directed and written by: Patrick Brice
Genre: Comedy, Horror
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, sexual content, some gore and brief nudity
Running Time: 1 hr. 26 min.
Opening Date: September 20, 2019
Distributed by: Screen Media Films
Released in: Standard, Color
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
