In an era in which our biggest comedies seem to take a basic, relatable theme or question and then exaggerate said theme to the point of comedic hyperbole–to name a few, The Hangover revolved around the questions, “Exactly how drunk did I get last night, and what did I actually do?,” Knocked Up centered on the utter fear-inducing question, “What do I do if I get a girl pregnant?,” and 40 Year Old Virgin answered the most basic question perhaps wondered by all teenage boys at one time or another– Seth Gordon’s Horrible Bosses, out today, takes on a similarly basic question: What would I do to get rid of my unbearable boss?
The film focuses on three best friends as they grapple with that very question regarding their respective bosses– and their solution? Well, clearly to kill their bosses. What ensues is a couple hours of pure comedic hyperbole, and maybe even at its finest this summer. Perhaps it’s because I went in with the not the highest of expectations– I mean, I thought it would be cute, but time has told me not to expect anything too funny from Jennifer Aniston (even though I’ll keep rooting for her til the end)– but I spent the majority of the movie laughing. And not just chuckling– real bellowing laughs, that you can feel in your abs the next day.
Yes, it is definitely true that the three main actors– Jason Bateman (Juno, Arrested Development), Charlie Day (Going the Distance, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and Jason Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock)– play the same roles that they’ve already perfected. But, hey, it seems that so does every comedic actor nowadays (ahem, Jonah Hill, Adam Sandler, Jason Segal, Zach Galifianakis etc.), and in Horrible Bosses, the mix of familiar characters was a perfect formula. And if the three main characters don’t get you laughing (but believe, they will, because let’s be honest, who can resist laughing at Charlie Day?), then the movies slew of stellar supporting actors will definitely prove hilarious– Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Spacey, Collin Farrell, Jamie Foxx and Julie Bowen all proved how funny they can really be. And if your still weighing your options– well, the witty, quick dialogue ought to convince you.
So, I definitely understand the hesitation, believe me– I even had it for the first couple minutes into the movie– but it was definitely worth seeing it in the theaters, especially if you’re looking for a kind of mindless comedy that will keep you laughing just thinking about it– a great Summer comedy. SEE IT.
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Written by: Alia Haddad
