Cubicle squared

"Office Space"
Overall Rating: ***


Some years ago (probably close to a decade), a man in Texas got an animation kit for Christmas. Among other people, he drew two kids he knew from school. Through several incarnations, these friends (or perhaps ex-friends) of his became known to the world as "Beavis and Butthead." Subsequently, Mike Judge co-created the TV show "King of the Hill," lampooning the redneck lifestyle. Now, he invades Dilbert's traditional territory and attacks the modern office in "Office Space."

If you think you have the cubicle job from Hell, you should compare yours to Peter Gibbons' (Ron Livingston). Peter braves rush hour traffic every morning to go to work at Initech--a computer company--where his biggest problem is his obnoxious boss (Gary Cole) who complains about minutiae and later demands Peter come in on both Saturday and Sunday. Trying to relieve some of his job-dissatisfaction, Peter goes to an occupational hypnotherapist. The therapist hypnotizes him so Peter will relax and not worry about his job. Unfortunately, before he can snap his fingers and bring Peter back to Earth, the therapist has a heart attack and dies. This leaves a carefree Peter to go back to the cubicles and wreak havoc.

Mike Judge must know his way around a cubicle. There are plenty of jokes before Peter changes, such as being outpaced in rush-hour traffic by a man on a walker, and even Peter's best friends' names cause problems: Michael Bolton--no relation to the singer he hates--and Samir--with the last name no one can pronounce (played by David Herman and Ajay Naida respectively). After the hypnosis, Peter taps into every office worker's dark side. From ignoring his boss, to smashing a troublesome printer with a baseball bat, to removing a cubicle wall to permit him to see out the window, Peter does what all office workers probably wish they could do on those bad days, and he even manages to corrupt his girlfriend Joanna (Jennifer Aniston) and his co-workers Michael and Samir.

Most of the actors are adequate to good, without really standing out. At least early on, Ron Livingston is likable while still being something of a wimp (later on, the character becomes less likable--though his more outrageous behavior balances this with jokes); he makes the transition from being stressed out to being mellow very well. Stephen Root is also good as Milton, a man who is frustrated with being moved from cubicle to cubicle.

The sad truth is, beyond being a vent for cubicle angst, there's not much to like about "Office Space." The cinematography is bland, special effects and stunts are non-existent. Worse, Peter becomes an unsympathetic character by stealing and by picking a fight with Joanna. The plot, while funny, is thin. Even the jokes at the heart of "Office Space" are empty; after all, how long can you laugh about Peter throwing fish guts into a stack of reports?

To be honest, I'm not sure why "Office Space" is rated R. It has a fair amount of bad language and sexual innuendo, and one shot of a topless woman (on a television set). Nonetheless, the PG-13 "Titanic," with even its limited violence, is worse. I don't think "Office Space" is really suitable for children, but it probably would be all right for teenagers (if you want to risk having them see a movie with a highly rebellious tone).

Despite its problems, if you have ever not completely enjoyed your office job--or perhaps came within two seconds of smashing your computer to bits--then you'll probably enjoy "Office Space." It's shallow, but it's still entertaining for an hour and a half. Don't tell your boss, but "Office Space" is funny.


Title: "Office Space"
Release date: February 19, 1999

MPAA rating: R
Overall rating: ***

Aprox. run time: 89 min.
Director: Mike Judge
Writer: Mike Judge
Stars: Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston


Original URL: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Mansion/7045/Office.htm
Added to blog site: 8/3/09