Film Reviews

Horrible Bosses

• Rating:
• Director: Seth Gordon
• Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey and Jamie Foxx
• Details: USA/TBC (TBC)

It's been a good summer for adult laffers so far. The Hangover sequel may have disappointed, but Bridesmaids popped up out of nowhere and hit big, while Bad Teacher followed soon after with some decent comedic moments. This star-heavy comedy may have its biggest names in supporting roles and fall apart when the plot needs concluding, but there are genuinely nasty laughs to be had - while the main trio have great chemistry. Bateman, Sudeikis and Day are three lifelong pals with something in common. Each of their bosses are making their lives a living hell. Bateman's sociopathic superior (Kevin Spacey) is blocking his advancement at work and manipulating him at every turn; Sudeikis' kind former boss has died, leaving his coke-fiend son (Colin Farrell) in charge; while Day finds himself being blackmailed and sexually harassed by Jennifer Aniston's hot dentist. Collectively deciding they can't take it any longer, they concoct a plan to have their bosses murdered. Playing like a cross between Throw Mamma from the Train and Office Space, the first half of Horrible Bosses boasts some cracking gags. It's the introduction to each of the titular bosses that lands the biggest laughs. Farrell is just about recognisable as a balding, overweight crass bastard using his father's company as an ATM machine, and proves again after In Bruges that he can not only do funny, but do it extremely well. Spacey is in passive aggressive Swimming With Sharks mode, while it's easily the best thing Jennifer Aniston has ever done. The rom-com specialist is absolutely filthy here, while obviously relishing the chance to have a potty mouth on screen for once. Sudeikis and Day played off of each other recently under similar circumstances in the less successful Going The Distance, so the guys already know how to spark up some solid improvisation. Throw Batman's deadpan delivery into the mix and there's a real organic feel to their comedy. You can tell these guys actually know each other, and when the plot ups a gear and things get a bit too frantic, their chemistry genuinely carries it to a satisfyingly conclusion. Although very much an ensemble comedy, I would've liked to have seen more of Farrell's abusive boss. Still, for a film that borrows liberally from other productions, this is an awful lot of fun.

Review by Mike Sheridan