'Horrible Bosses' - 2011

FINALLY, a new film worth writing about. 'Hangover', get the fuck out of here, 'Horrible Bosses' just owned you. All I will say about 'Hangover 2' here, is that it is DULL in comparison to this film. And you have to compare them, because they have the same basic concept - a trio of friends with a hard-to-reach, against all odds goal. Moving on...

Credit to the writers - Michael Markowitz, John F. Daley and Jonathon Goldstein, clever, tightly written comedy, with more unusual and risky jokes than we're used to seeing (Colin Farrell mocking a man in a wheelchair - brilliant). I applaud you.

Anything with Kevin Spacey is always worth a watch. He is one of the most creditable and successful actors in the world. From the first trailer, I knew I had to see it. I had a small doubt when I saw Jen Aniston, but...i'll admit it, she surprised me here. Looking sexier than ever, she played the part of the fiendishly, criminally dirty boss perfectly. She has found her new role in movies. It was great to see her doing something different, and more grown up, finally moving away from her innocent Friends era. It's been a long time coming. It was great to see talented and sometimes unexpected actors in smaller roles - Lindsay Sloane, for example, who I first remember in my memory as a friend of Sabrina the teenage witch, but has been popping up in many places recently (at least, more prolific places than 5-10 years ago).

The characters were what made this film stand out, and the actors all brought the characters to life. There was a genuine and natural chemistry that came across on the screen, and it made the characters distinctive and believable, even in their ridiculous venture. With other actors, the oral comedy could quickly become boring, cliche and redundant, but the performances from Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis and the rest of the cast all stand out from anything in recent memory. For me, Charlie Day requires a special mention; Many moments of comedy came from his quick and unhinged tongue. A small thing I really liked about this film is the few references to popular culture - very cleverly done; as a taster, there is a certain cut-scene which involved 'The Notebook' on a netbook and some teary eyes in the audience, and a stylish and subtle reference to 'The Great Gatsby' which goes almost unnoticed - there's also a fantastic, naturally edited scene between the three friends and Motherfucker Jones (Jamie Foxx) where they discuss the intricacies of a film that they may or may not have seen in relation to their predicament. Really nicely done.

The story itself is a dark comedy about three friends who decide to kill their bosses. The story beginning is textbook perfect, as we're introduced to each case individually (each situation brilliantly set-up and introduced), and then we are the fourth man at a table with the three of them, as they discuss the ins and outs of their working lives. One thing leads to another, and sooner or later we're seeing and hearing about rape, murder, assisted homocide, sexual harassment, loose fillings, blackmail and all that great stuff that I love. It's just fucking great to see a comedy that has low moral standards (as low as mine).

It's eventually wrapped up very cleverly and unexpectedly, just as you begin to think there is no end in sight (not that you're bored, but you're sort of expecting it and then it doesn't come). I won't spoil it.

The credits were great; fresh sounding soundtrack and it's always nice to have outtakes, to connect you more with the actors and the process, and then slowly bring you out of the movie 'disbelief' zone. As the final outtake broke into the black screen with the SUPER 'Horrible Bosses', I was still laughing and smiling. The film is a credit to all involved, and will not be forgotten for a long time.

I just hope they don't bring out a 'Horrible Bosses 2'.