Horrible Bosses

Horrible Bosses is the latest film in 2011's onslaught of rated R comedies. I suppose it is the logical next step in a series of seemingly normal people doing terrible things. Bridesmaids, The Hangover 2, Bad Teacher, and now a group of everyday men who set out to murder their employers. The premise seems to go even further beyond the pale than those mentioned. The problem is that in the end, it doesn't follow through, and Horrible Bosses ends up being by far

the tamest and most benign film in this summers set.

I usually love Jason Bateman, who can be so subtle that he's barely there. When paired with Jason Sudeikis, who to me seems like 'that guy who's like Ed Helms but less goofy', they create a void of action that Charlie Day must fill completely with simply being Charlie Day. There is also the question of whether or not Charlie Day is capable of playing anyone but Charlie Day. Anyone who has seen 'It's Always Sunny In Phillidelphia', knows exactly what to expect from him

The real stars of this movie have the smallest parts. The bosses; Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey), Dr. Julia Harris D.D.S. (Jennifer Aniston), and Bobby Pellit (Colin Farrell) really steal the show. Spacey is always fun to watch as a smug overbearing asshole, but it is Jennifer Aniston's foulmouthed/nymphomainac dentist, and Colin Farrell's drug abusing, bigoted and bald Pellit, who steal every scene they are in. Jamie Foxx's murder consultant 'Motherfucker Jones' is another short but sweet cameo that could have been milked more.

The plot to Horrible Bosses is nothing new, and unfolds in a very formulaic way. Three men hate their bosses, and ultimately decide to help kill each others bosses. Plans are discussed, hijinks ensue, and jokes are even made about the situations similarities to Hitchcock's 'Strangers on a Train', but this movie lacks the ferocity that audiences have become accustomed to this summer. The jokes aren't as gross as 'Bridesmaids', the dialog isn't as dirty as 'Bad Teacher' (with the exception of Aniston), and it isn't even as violent as the 'Hangover 2'. The film has some very funny moments and a charming cast, but it just doesn't stand out of the pack for me.

So Horrible Bosses doesn't quite live up the summer of adult comedy fare, but you could find worse ways to spend the afternoon.

** 1/2