The Freak's Rating: D : Office Space is one of the best reviewed movies on this site. Next to The Shawshank Redemption, it seems that everyone has a little love in their heart for the comedy. You'd also have a tough time finding someone who didn't at least chuckle a bit during a Beavis & Butthead episode. Mike Judge is extremely talented at getting you to laugh. So when we're told that Jason Bateman, the always reliable J.K. Simmons and SNL alum Kristen Wiig will be in his first comedy in years, we can't help but be a little optimistic. Toss in a cameo from a pot smoking Ben Affleck and we should at least have a giggle or two
Acting is the strongest suit the film offers. Jason Bateman is perfect as the businessman with personal issues. Newcomer Dustin Milligan is hilarious as Brad (the pool boy/hooker?) and as I mention above, J.K. Simmons is spot on with the assistant manager role. Mila Kunis is entirely underused and stereotypical, with the scenes meant to make you care about her in the slightest bit falling flat as a board.
The obligatory drug scene is overacted and unnecessary in every way. With a virtual recreation of Office Space's Lawrence (played masterfully by Diedrich Bader), Ben Afleck's Dean is increasingly annoying with every line he utters. There is little originality here and the cast has the gusto to pull off a good comedy. This is a classic case of Hollywood giving the green light to anything with a specific name attached, knowing audiences will plunk down a few bucks regardless of the quality. Here's hoping you save your money on this one.
