Title: Demoted
Directed by: J.B. Rogers
Starring: Sean Astin, David Cross and Michael Vartan
Running time: 94 minutes, Rated R, Available on DVD
Special Features: None
A couple of prankster tire salesmen who happen to be in tight with the boss have a rude awakening when the boss suddenly dies; and the one guy they picked on incessantly, becomes their boss. Their punishment? Demoted to secretaries. Rodney (Michael Vartan) has a wedding to plan with his fiance, and is under constant scrutiny from his future father-in-law. Mike (Sean Astin) still lives at home, and is under pressure to finally move out and not be such a loser in his father’s eyes.
Demoted is a lackluster, not as funny version of Office Space. It got some laughs, but it was pretty predictable, and the ending was sappy. The biggest laugh would have to be when fellow secretary Olivia (Cathy Shim) is asking the guys what to get her husband for their anniversary. The answer, while crude, is honest and hysterical. David Cross is typecast as the a-hole boss Castro; and while he plays the part well, I want to see him do something else; I mean seriously, can he play a different character? Castro is too easily defeated which is where I felt the writing was lacking; and I felt the same way about the father-in-law character. Ron White and Billy West were kind of thrown in as filler, but fans will appreciate their inclusion in the film.
Total Rating: C+
Reviewed by: JM Willis
