SYNOPSIS: For Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day), the only thing that would make the daily grind more tolerable would be to grind their intolerable bosses (Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, Jennifer Aniston) into dust. Quitting is not an option, so, with the benefit of a few-too-many drinks and some dubious advice from a hustling ex-con (Jamie Foxx), the three friends devise a convoluted and seemingly foolproof plan to rid themselves of their respective employers...permanently. There's only one problem: even the best laid plans are only as foolproof as the brains behind them. 

REVIEW: My brother reminded me of an important fact in the world of cinema after watching this film: a great cast does not automatically make a great movie. The Tourist also comes to mind, but hey, they’re not great movies but they are okay movies. This one has an “everyone’s fantasy” premise with some scattered solid laughs and as mentioned, a packed cast full of talent. But something is missing. You can’t quite put your finger on it but you will sense it. Maybe it’s the story that’s a little weak or the subpar plot presentation or maybe it’s just all around corny. Whatever it is, the cast is what keeps it afloat. You do get of sense of watching a slice of real people with their real problems in the workplace but exaggerated of course for entertainment purposes and the clichés are abundant. Generally speaking, the main characters are split up into two groups, the employees and their respective tormentors or how I also like to refer to them, stress transmitters. The employees are three amigos played by Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, and Charlie Day each of which has already left their mark in the world of comedy. Probably the best part of their performances was the good comedic chemistry between them. Then there are the bosses played by Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, and Jennifer Aniston. Now these three were the real jaw droppers in the movie. They can undoubtedly play their roles but to see them actually do it was unreal. Kevin made his character a complete a-hole supreme and he was really good at it. Colin’s character is the spoiled son who inherits his father’s business and has no clue on how to run it properly but quickly takes the unfair and abusive dictator type role in the company. He is ugly and mean. When it comes to Jennifer’s character, she seems to thoroughly enjoy strongly sexually harassing her employee. You know, I don’t see the problem here. Her methods of harassment are very persuasive. Jennifer continues to amaze me at how hot she still looks. The best part of Jamie Foxx’s character is his name which is the source of a couple of laughs on its own. There were other interesting supporting roles filled in by some interesting people such as Donald Sutherland, Ioan Gruffudd, Julie Bowen, and even Bob Newhart. 

Director Seth Gordon has done a lot of TV work and some film work such as Four Christmases. He does have potential even though this might end up being one of his weaker directions. I do credit him for taking on and comically exploring the deep dark dream that many of us might have. So when you’re at the box office, this one is a tossup. It will give you some good laughs but it is not going to be the best comedy you’ve ever seen. Although it did provide me with a new favorite line . . . something about a barrel and the 50 states. You’ll know what I mean if and when you see it.