Horrible Bosses is a comedic love letter to Hitchcock's masterpiece Strangers on a Train and it actually works perfectly

Rating: Null/10 (11 August 2011)

So far 2011 has been a pretty slow year for comedy movies: we've had the appalling, thanks to The Hangover Part 2, the disgusting, thanks to Just Go With It, and the miserable, thanks to Hall Pass. Well now the world has been given Horrible Bosses, the new film from Seth Gordon, the man behind the sensational The King of Kong (2008) and the not-so-sensational Four Christmases (2008).
Three friends – Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) – all have one problem in common: they hate their bosses. Their employers make their daily lives a living hell and cause them consistent torment and stress. Nick's boss, Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey), is a psychopathic monster who revels in his power and hateful behaviour. Kurt's is drug addict Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell), and Dale's boss from hell is nymphomaniac dentist Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston). The three friends decide the only way to free themselves is to kill their bosses.
Raunchy comedy is not a new thing (remember producer, director and screenwriter Judd Apatow?); nor is a comedy-crime caper such as the Ocean's franchise. What's new is actually watching a good one, and I'm happy to say Horrible Bosses joins the good list. What this film does successfully is to shape its characters, making them dimensional, interesting and funny.
This uncontrollably crude film forces some of the performers out of their comfort zones. There are expletives at every turn and dark humour smeared across every scenario. There is never a truly dull moment during the 98 minute running time, making despicable leaders a very enjoyable ride.
Jennifer Aniston's psycho-sexual behaviour is warped, demented and outrageous. Bateman is also great which and stands as one of the most consistently funny, witty and charming mainstream comedic actors of recent; while Sudeikis and Day are entertaining and do the typical maniac behaviour affair with ease.
In a way, Horrible Bosses is a comedic love letter to Hitchcock's masterpiece Strangers on a Train (1951) and it actually works perfectly. This is a dark and seedy feature that's brightened by memorable performances, quotable dialogue and crafty direction from a director worth praising; I whole-heartedly recommend it.
Verdict: ●●●● Currently the year's strongest and most surprising comedy thanks to its humour and dark undertones. Go see Horrible Bosses, and don't be late.
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