2011 has been the year of the R-rated comedy. "Bridesmaids," "The Hangover 2" & "Bad Teacher" have filled the multiplexes with the kind of humor made popular in the 80's (think comedies like "Animal House," "Caddyshack," & "Stripes").
All of the 2011 releases were very good but the one that really "went for it" was "Horrible Bosses." Sure "Bridesmaids" was the critical and box office darling. But for me that film didn't quite reach it's full potential as an "R-rated" comedy. "Horrible Bosses," on the other hand, pushed the envelope of bad taste with hysterical results.
"Horrible Bosses" tells the story of three best friends (Jason Bateman, Jason Sudakis & Charlie Day) who hate their bosses (Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell & Jennifer Aniston) so much that they decide the only way to make their lives better is to kill them. On paper this may sound absurd and most people would say... "why don't they just quit their jobs." But "Horrible Bosses" is that rare comedy that sets up the story so well that it is easy for the audience to suspend their disbelief and agree with the beaten-down employees that this idea could actually work.
Spacey is just plain evil, playing a character similar to the one he played in "Swimming With Sharks" while the almost unrecognizable Farrell and crazy nymphomaniac Aniston have never been funnier on screen! Aniston especially stands out because this part is so far removed from anything she has done before. If you're looking for "Rachel" you will not find her here. Jamie Foxx is also along for the fun as a would-be hit man whose name is as R-Rated as the film.
Bateman, Sudakis and Day have pitch perfect comedic timing in this film and really seem like friends who have hung out for years. If you have already seen the film then check out the Blu-Ray DVD or "Totally Inappropriate Edition" which adds 8 additional minutes of unrated scenes not seen in theaters.
If you long for the days when Hollywood made "R-rated" comedies that were truly for adults only, then "Horrible Bosses" is the movie for you.
Lewd, crude, rude, but above all, hysterically funny.
Drumroll please... 9 out of 10 drumsticks!!!
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