FOXX IS OUTSTANDING IN 'HORRIBLE BOSSES'

****
TIMES SQUARE GOSSIP
AT THE MOVIES

Horrible Bosses is relentlessly entertaining,
funny and ingeniously outrageous.
****

Kevin Spacey

I'm quite sure the there will be some who feel Horrible Bosses is just the latest in a disappointing downward trend in comedy; low-brow, sophomoric … but, I found it relentlessly entertaining … funny and ingeniously outrageous. It doesn't try to be Shakespeare … and, that's a good thing, but I think even the 'ole Bard himself might have had a laugh or two here with this one. The three main characters, Nick, Dale and Kurt have horrible bosses and after some rather dramatic career setbacks, they each begin to seriously consider offing them. Cut to the hiring of Jaime Foxx as a murder consultant. He won't do the dastardly deed … but, he'll tell you how! Foxx is just outstanding and brings a much welcomed gravitas to the whole affair. The plot unravels from there and much hilarity ensues. One boss eventually offs another ... and, the climatic ending is rather cleverly arrived at. Talk about modern technology ... you'll be somewhat surprised too. Sure, you could call this opus the continuing thread of the Hangover-effect ... but, again, is that a bad thing? As that earlier movie proved, there is indeed still an audience for outrageous R-rated comedies, but, I think the one definite negative aspect has been that they're been a lot of poor imitators to the crown. I mean, like everything else, if its good ... it'll fly. The bosses, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell are enhanced characters of course, but they're devilishly dastardly. Spacey, bulked up for the role, delivers his lines with a truly sinister relish; he's that good. Some have already remarked that his reading is just a re-do of his take in Swimming With Sharks; but, is that a bad thing? Colin Farrell, with a shaved head and all is just sensational. Nice to see the actor once again showing off his acting prowess; he's really sensational. And, Aniston, playing a she-devil dentist is fun too. I've always liked her and while this role might not be what she's best remembered for ... she's delightful ... and, funny. The stars, Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis are all outstanding with high marks going to Day. Yes, he was great in Going The Distance (which was unfairly overlooked in my opinion) and outstanding in It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia … but, here's he's almost the start of the show, as his Dale is just the friend you never wanted … but, always have. Reliably loyal, but somewhat of a doofus. Bateman, having something of a career renaissance, is tremendous. A reliable rock of a character, he's sensational. While the three at times remind of Larry, Moe and Curly, you can't quite dismiss their antics and undeniable chemistry. The direction by Seth Gordon ("Four Christmases"; "The Office"; "Modern Family" and "Parks and Recreation") is serviceable and distinctive. I also appreciated the fact that though shot in L. A., the locations are somewhat different; this time they shot in Torrance; Woodland Hills; and Downtown L.A. As has become somewhat de rigueur ;watch the closing credits for some brilliant out takes. Needless to say, it looks like it was a fun shoot. Says Gordon: "Almost everyone has had a horrible boss at some point in their lives, someone who made life miserable. We all know how tempting it is to fantasize about how much better things would be if they were out of the way. This is a story about three guys who decide to do something about it; but, it doesn't turn out exactly the way they expect."

Photos By: RD/Orchon/Dziekan/Retna