HORRIBLE BOSSES: AMUSING FILM

Dean 'MF' Jones: I think I can help you boys.

Kurt Buckman: Are you a businessman?

Dean 'MF' Jones: Mother F**ker Jones.

Dale Arbus: Your first name is 'Mother F**ker?

Dean 'MF' Jones: My real name is Dean.

Nick Hendricks: Dean Jones, that's the same name of the actor in Herbie and the Love Bug.

Kurt Buckman: Yeah he probably doesn't even know that is.

Dean 'MF' Jones: I know who he is b***h. I can't walk around this f**king neighborhood with that Disney-ass name.

 The poster for this film, shows six good reasons why this a funny movie. Unlike others, I did not see this as "the funniest film of the year". However, I did think it was fun to watch.The uncompromising Jason Bateman stars with Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis who are three good friends who all have the same problem: their bosses. Kevin Spacey is an asshole, Colin Farrell is a coke head and Jennifer Aniston, well, let's just say she has some sexual frustrations. All three friends are pushed to their breaking point and one night in jest, it is suggested that they solve the problem by murdering each other's bosses. Jamie Foxx is perfect as a consultant hired on to advise on their proposed criminal deeds, Dean MF Jones. As with many things, the fun is in the journey and watching these three ordinary Joe's try to act as criminals is a long path to nowhere. Anyone who has daydreams of getting rid of their boss will appreciate at least the idea behind this film.   

MY SON, MY SON, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE: (AWKWARD SILENCE)

Inspired by a true story this film directed by Werner Hertzog and produced by David Lynch was too bizarre of the movie to pass up. In true David Lynch fashion, it was indeed way bizarre. The story follows the events that led a young troubled man who stabs his mother locks himself in the house causing a huge scene and time for the flashbacks takes to explain how we got to this point. I really wish I had dropped some acid before watching this film, however that may have done some serious brain damage. It is a movie filled with dramatic pauses, unexplained actions, and of course, there's the dwarf. Grace Zabriskie is absolutely stunning, and always fun to watch. Chloe Sevigny is the man's fiancée who brings a tiny bit of sanity to the bunch. Michael Shannon is the man, and as compelling as he is to watch it is also almost revolting. There is not much likable about his character, but it definitely is entertaining. Hertzog mentioned something in his interviews about wanting to return to a low-budget film using great actors and portraying as reality. He does accomplish both these things, but the end result is such a bizarre film, had I not had the patience would have been difficult to see this one to the end. This film is not for everybody.

HE WAS A QUIET MAN

HE WAS A QUIET MAN SPEAKS LOUDLY

This is a dark, unpredictable film. We have seen this behavior before (going postal) where the fed up, over worked and under paid worker bee decides to take out a few co-workers before shooting himself. Because we know this happens, it is hard to watch a film that brings light to this behavior, that being said, it was done in a very nice light. Bob (Christian Slater) is that worker bee and he takes a lot of crap from a lot of people. He isn't outgoing or good looking (and yes, they managed to make Christian Slater look terrible) and he is a bit of a loner. There is a shooting at the company where he works and he is involved, in one way or another. This is where things get complicated. There are three, yes, three alternate endings to this movie. Some things are explained while others just keep us guessing (while others sit through and watch it again with the director's comments trying to find meaning or intent). There is no way to predict this film's path because it pulls the rug out from under you and before you can sit up in your chair they do it again. The lines between reality and fantasy are so blurred that you can't even tell that there are any lines. Elisha Cuthbert and William H. Macy add to the star power of the movie and do a fantastic job. Slater is perfect as Bob not only in his appearance and the way he holds his body, but also with the subtle gestures that kept him from going too far over the top in this role. It is a very interesting movie and frustrating at the same time because there is no definitive answer. Like the real-life shootings, I guess there is no answer anywhere.

Pick: Well done film and interesting to watch, but slightly maddening to keep score.