There are just some movies we can all relate to. Regardless of your place in the American work force, "Office Space" has something in it you've likely experienced. Oh, it's relentlessly funny too.
Typical employee Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) has had enough of his 9-5 job at Initech. His girlfriend takes him to a occupational hypnotherapist to try and find out what's bothering him, but when something goes horribly wrong, Peter takes a whole new lease on life. Through a series of incidents, Peter not only gets a major promotion (even though he no longer shows up), but also manages to rip the company off for over $300,000Ö. Just not like he intended.
This isn't just a movie about Mr. Gibbons. There is a wide platter of likable characters, but stealing the film is the always likable Stephen Root as Milton, probably the most oppressed employee in the company. He's not on payroll and they took his red stapler, but he keeps on coming back, at least until the building goes under some unwanted "remodeling."
Along for the ride with Livingston Ajay Naidu and David Herman, two more of Initech's finest. These are the two that go in on Peter's money scheme gone wrong that makes for some of the best comedy the movie has to offer. Jennifer Anniston plays a waitress at a restaurant not far from the software firm and becomes Peter's love interest as the movie progresses. Stuck in nearly the same position as Peter, she becomes yet another rebel, this time against director Mike Judge who plays her boss.
The entire film has a laid back feel, much like Peter himself after the "transformation." The real plot doesn't even begin until 45-minutes in, but it still manages to spread the humor out enough to keep the laughs going all the way through. Running gags, included the ever-popular "TPS reports," are a source of fuel the movie thrives on.
Article comments
1 - Eric Berlin
That's too bad that Judge turned down a sequel, though too often bad sequels sour a brilliant original (see: Matrix 2 & 3), kind of like an aging superstar athlete who holds on for those four or six extra years.
I agree, though: Office Space is an underground classic. I was a huge Livingston fan prior to this movie, and he certainly doesn't disappoint.
I have to disagree regarding Milton: I found his moments in the film to be amongst the least interesting. Lumburgh's my man as far as stand-out roles goes. Classic performance.
Eric Berlin
Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash
http://dumpsterbust.blogspot.com
2 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
yeah, Office Space rules, although i do think the plot feels intrusive. It's not as good as The Office though, since it was given 12 episodes and a christmas special for to wring every ounce of humour from the situation. For an hour and a half long flick, though, Office Space still rules.
3 - Eric Berlin
I've heard The Office is great - it's on my Netflix list and I can't wait to see it. I lived in England for 6 months a number of years ago and have been hooked on Britcoms ever since.
I'm curious how you find the plot to Office Space intrusive. Do you mean that it's a bit contrived, like a string of bits and not a cohesive film? If so, you've got a point. But for me, the premise, setting, and writing make this film absolutely outstanding.
Eric Berlin
Dumpster Bust: Miracles from Mind Trash
http://dumpsterbust.blogspot.com