Office Space

Starring: Ron Livingston, Stephen Root, Gary Cole, Jennifer Aniston, Diedrich Bader, Orlando Jones (cameo)
Directed by: Mike Judge
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Awards:
The Movie Files Movie Championship I: Sweet Sixteen

Summary: Peter (Ron Livingston) hates his job. He hates his stupid boss (Gary Cole), his cubicle, and the majority of his coworkers. Peter goes to see a hypnotherapist who hypnotizes him to not have a care in the world. He returns to work with no intention of doing anything, hoping to get fired. However, his newfound attitude lands him a promotion, where he cooks up a scheme to embezzle money from his job. Now, as the stakes get higher, madness erupts in and around the cubicles.

Review:

Tim: I had heard so many wonderful things about this film that I was finally convinced to see it for myself. While the film does have its moments, I was more disappointed than anything else. Of course, I realize the implications of this movie- the very funny and realistic look at corporate life in the late 90's, the memorable lines: "I believe you have my stapler," "It says here you've been missing work... Well, I wouldn't say I've been missing it," and many others. Thats all fine, and yes, somewhat enjoyable. I was astounded this film wasn't top caliber- I mean, its director, Mike Judge also created the "wonderful" "Beavis and Butt-head", so I couldn't imagine this film being less than spectacular (I am being completely sarcastic). "Beavis and Butt-head" are so stupid, so I imagined this movie wouldn't be a work of art. Surprisingly, it is slightly better than it might have been.

Unfortunately, the movie isn't all that funny, and hits dry spell after dry spell where there are no laughs, and not much entertainment, either. I'm sure I'm breaking away from the majority of viewers out there, but I didn't love this movie. Furthermore, I'm astounded that so many people did. I'm not saying it's a bad film, because it isn't. However, I don't think its as good as people make it out to be.

The film does have some good performances. Ron Livingston is perfect as Peter, playing the everyman that all of us can relate to. Stephen Root is hilarious, although I wasn't a huge fan of his character. Jennifer Anniston's talent was mostly wasted, as she had very little to do in the film, but her presence alone boosted the film up a good deal. Gary Cole plays the perfect moron boss that nearly all of us can relate to.

I think the reason Office Space has done so well is because it strikes a chord in the multitudes of Americans who hate their jobs, who can't stand their stuffy cubicles, that damn fax machine that will never work, and their idiotic bosses. Thousands of people would love to act as Peter does- to just stop caring, play Tetris and eat Cheetoes at work, and when your boss comes to ask why the reports aren't done, tell him you're busy, and to come back another time. The film succeeds in that aspect, of people being able to relate to it. However, in several other categories, it falls just short. This isn't a bad film, but not as enjoyable as I hoped, and I feel it could have been much funnier. To end on a positive note, I now understand what people mean when they say, "I'm gonna go 'office space' on this copier!" That might be the best thing about this movie



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Clerks, She's the One, Picture Perfect, Fight Club, Idiocracy