Most everyone would like to be the boss, but in most instances there’s only one. I hope my readers don’t have a boss as despicable as the ones in Horrible Bosses a nicely funny comedy directed by Seth Gordon. Filled with a lot of hilarious situations, this film is perfect for mature adults. If you are not offended by sexuality and a lot of crude language then run to see Horrible Bosses.
The film centers on three friends Nick (Jason Bateman), Dale (Charlie Day) and Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) who have run into a stone barrier at their jobs. Nick works for a twisted supervisor (Kevin Spacey) who has dangled a Senior Vice President carrot in front of him only to absorb the job for himself. Master accountant Kurt (Jason Sudeikis), loved by Mr. Pellit owner of the company he works for, has been groomed to take over when he retires, but his drug-addicted son (Colin Farrell) has other plans. Finally, Dale a dental assistant to Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston) works in an environment of sexually harassment by his x-rated boss who makes her workday a play day.
The bosses are really sinister when it comes to management and the three friends plot to do something about it. When a very bad idea goes horribly wrong the boys find themselves in dire straits.
The three buddy characters’ actors deliver some very hysterical comedy and in most cases are well suited to their roles. Bateman does a great job of making Nick the most intelligent of the group who keeps things in perspective when the three band together to take out revenge. Day puts on his best comedy face for the very goofy role of Dale an engaged man who goes to work everyday trying to fend off Dr. Julia’s onslaught for sex. And yes lets not forget Sudeikis who has to deal with a freaky Bobby Pellit and does so in a screwy kind of way providing some dark comedy of his own.
Director Seth Gordon (Freakononics) does a pretty good job of keeping the laughs rolling and the situations ridiculous. His ability to tie the talent together boss to employee and a realistic trio of friends is truly admirable. I like the pace, situations and resolve in Horrible Bosses making the film an above average comedy in my book.
The film isn’t perfect however and there are some situations that ‘shovel the corn’. I found the ‘three stooges’ slapping childish, Aniston’s hypersexual lust way over the top, Ferrell’s Bobby Pellit frightfully chilling and Spacey extremely overbearing, but I guess in Seth Gordon’s mind that’s what makes this film fun. Now I’m just saying, but if I had a nymphomaniac boss like Jennifer Aniston…well you fill in the blanks.
Horrible Bosses is rated R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug material. The language is very raw and the sexual oriented gestures and innuendos extremely vulgar for anyone under the age of 17.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Bosses tries for a Hangover, but gets kicked to the side of the road. (C+)
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
