Office Space (1999)

Storyline

In the Initech office, the insecure Peter Gibbons hates his job and the abusive Division VP Bill Lunbergh that has just hired two consultants to downsize the company. His best friends are the software engineers Michael Bolton and Samir Nagheenanajar that also hate Initech, and his next door neighbor Lawrence. His girlfriend Annie is cheating on him but she convinces Peter to visit the hypnotherapist Dr. Swanson. Peter tells how miserable his life is and Dr. Swanson hypnotizes him and he goes into a state of ecstasy. However, Dr. Swanson dies immediately after giving the hypnotic suggestion to Peter. He dates the waitress Joanna and changes his attitude in the company, being promoted by the consultants. When he discovers that Michael and Samir will be fired, they decide to plant a virus in the account system to embezzle fraction of cents in each financial operation into Peter's account...
Easily one of my favorite comedies, and sort of a source of medicine for the pains of working in an office with complete idiots. Ahh, cubicle life. Anyone who's ever worked in a corporate office can relate to this film on some level, and can probably swear that they know someone exactly like one of the characters depicted here. Mike Judge really captures the aspect that makes office life so miserable, which is without a doubt the characters that you must deal with that your personal life would normally exclude. There is no question that he must've had his own bout with the way of the office bitch, as he shows that he knows it all too well. Out of the comedies I've seen, I can most identify with this one.

Kudos to the casting department for putting together a unique group of people to portray the perfect characters for the story. Peter, Samir, Michael Bolton, and especially the Milton and Lumbergh characters, are all a true treat to watch and never get old upon reviewings.

A true comedic classic, but probably for more of a niche audience. Having never worked in an office before, you may not enjoy it as much as others...but then again, I could be wrong and is still worth checking out. But if you have or do work in an office, this movie is a must see!

Office Space has a special place in my heart for others reasons too. Parts of it were filmed within walking distance of my apartment, and my girlfriend lives in Peter's apartments from the movie, which is also right down the street! That just adds even more to the fact that I can identify with this film 100%, especially considering I drive the same way to work as Peter did! Too weird.

Jennifer Aniston and Gerard Butler keep fans guessing as they cuddle up at Bounty Hunter premiere

and her co-star Gerard Butler did little to dispel rumours of a relationship as they looked inseparable on the red carpet at the premiere of their film The Bounty Hunter in London last night.
Looking sleek and sexy, it was a distinctly more flirtatious Jennifer making her red carpet debut.
The 41-year-old actress flaunted her fabulous legs in a silver Valentino mini black Alexander McQueen tuxedo jacket, and her signature feet-baring Jimmy Choos.
And the Hollywood beauty looked more than happy to put on a tactile show with her handsome co-star Gerard Butler, 40, as they wrapped their arms around each other at the Leicester Square premiere.
Scroll down to watch a trailer and a MailOnline video report from the premiere

Just good friends:  cuddles up to her handsome co-star Gerard Butler at the London premiere of their new film The Bounty Hunters 

Cuddling couple: Jennifer and Gerard give the assembled media, and each other, their full attention

The couple have been romantically linked since filming the comedy last summer and did little to dispel the rumours as they embraced each other on the red carpet.
Speaking about their chemistry, Scots star Butler said: 'We have a blast together and she appreciates that Celtic manner.
'There's nothing diva-ish about her, she's very down to earth, very sure of herself and who she is, and I'm like a little kid, who doesn't take myself too seriously.
'We had a fun script and a great director, so we just had to dive in and it was a blast.'

Hold me close: Aniston said 'I love my Gerry' when asked about her relationship with Butler

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Flirty : Jennifer showed off a sexier side in a bottom-skimming silver Valentino mini-dress, Alexander McQueen tuxedo jacket and feet-baring Jimmy Choo heels

Aniston was equally appreciative: 'I love my Gerry. We just lucked out - director fantastic, Gerry fantastic, our crew, New York - you just can't go wrong.'
In the film, Butler plays a down-on-his-luck investigator hired to track down his bail-jumping, reporter ex-wife Aniston.

 

When asked if the theme of exes being brought back together in the film had prompted her to examine her own love life, the former Friends star replied: 'I don't know why (people) think that's what equals happiness. I am completely happy.'
During filming, Aniston and Butler were spotted looking very flirty together in between scenes, prompting rumours they were dating.

Are they or aren't they: Jennifer posed proudly with the Scots actor at the Vue cinema in Leicester Square,

But this morning Aniston told GMTV that rumours of a relationship were wide of the mark, and just tabloid 'fodder'.
'I think that it’s sort of just a formula – that they think that if you do a movie together and you get along really well – you must be dating…. It’s fodder – it fills magazines, it has nothing backing it at all,' she said.
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Do you have a story about Mark Owen or another celebrity? Call the Daily Mail showbusiness desk on 0207 938 6364 or 0207 938 6683.

...........................................................................................................................................................However, last month, Butler was invited to join Aniston in Mexico for her 41st birthday.
Despite the rumours, Butler was photographed kissing a violinist in a Los Angeles street last month and has also been linked to Jessica Simpson and Lindsay Lohan.
The actor, who has been teetotal for 13 years, claimed he didn't deserve his reputation as a womaniser.

Eighties style: Big Brother star Aisleyne Horgan-Wallace stepped out in a black mini dress with large shoulders

He told Men's Health magazine: 'I get laid less now than I used to, because I’m way more paranoid now. Look at f***ing Tiger Woods.
'I mean, I’m nowhere near as naughty as I used to be, partly because I did a lot of that when I was drinking.
'I’m not saying I’ve cut that part out. I’m certainly no angel. There’s no smoke without fire.'
Since moving to Hollywood five years ago, Butler has only had two relationships.
He explained: 'I’m not a big relationship guy. One of my vices is, I’m too wrapped up in myself and not always in a good way.'

Opera stars: 'Boy band' Blake (L-R) Oliver Baines, Humphrey Berney, Jules Knight, Stephen Bowman looked dapper

 

Best of... Jennifer Aniston

  isn't one of my top 15 favorite actresses and she's not one of the best around either, but I always enjoy her movies and I like her very much. I liked her in Friends and I actually had the Rachel look for a while. And Jen made some fine films. Here are my favorite .

"She's the One"
I think this was the first bigger role she played in a movie. I always thought the plot was well written and I found it very enjoyable. And for a rom-com it had a lot of depth and with that "She's the One" actually broke some rom-com rules.



"Picture Perfect"
How fun was this one? I remember renting it with a bunch of friends, while we were having a sleepover. Jennifer is so endeering in this film and don't you just love Jay Mohr here? It was a movie with a lot of heart, I liked it.

"The Object of My Affection"
Paul Rudd and Jennifer Aniston had great chemistry in this movie. Jennifer is just Jennifer here, the way we love her the most. And Paul wasn't the stereotypical gay man as they are always portrayed in films. This movie is just too charming to resist.

"Office Space"
I think this movie has a big fanbase. When I first saw it, I didn't really understand that. After watching it for a second time, I got it. Great workplace satire (it was already a succes before "The Office") and it's just an unique comedic experience. Even for non-Aniston fans it's considered a requirement.

"Bruce Almighty"
While Jim Carrey steals the show here, Jennifer delivers a solid performance as his girlfriend Grace. I really lauched out loud with this movie.

"Derailed"
Not a typical Aniston movie, maybe that's why I liked it so much. A strong and surprisingly good story. Nice twist at the end.

"Marley & Me"
Probably my favorite. She forms a perfect couple with Owen Wilson and I enjoyed every single minute of this film. It's wonderfull to see how a destructive dog gets a married couple closer together. It's so honest, heartwarming and touching. "Marley & Me" is also one of those movies that make me cry.

"He's Just Not That Into You"
I know most people criticized it, but I really liked it. I love movies with multiple storylines and Beth's story, played by Jennifer, is one of my favorites.

There are still some movies I haven't seen yet: "Just Go With It", "Love Happens" and "The Switch".

a masterpiece, plain and simple

I'm 25 years old. I have no children. So why am I praising a 'kid's movie' which nobody saw? Because I have never seen a film pack the emotional wallop 'The Iron Giant' provided.

The film's plot is similar to 'E.T.' - a young boy meets an alien robot from outer space, who is stranded on earth, and runs afoul of paranoid government agents. Not to knock the Spielberg film, but what makes 'The Iron Giant' the better film is that the young boy is the teacher. It is he who
has to teach the Giant about the beauty of life, the difference between good and evil, and choices we have to make. The Iron Giant, it turns out, is a weapon, who has to struggle against his own nature. The film has an obvious (and timely) gun control message, but its real message is about the choice we make when dealing with other people. We can use our powers for good or lash out at everyone around us.

I dare not give away the climax. All I will say is that it features a sacrifice absolutely breaktaking and emotionally shattering (albeit somewhat blunted by the ending). The animation is gorgeous, Michael Kamen's score is perfect, and the film beautifully evokes the 1950s.

Sadly, poor marketing kept audiences away in droves. All I can say is, to heck with the box office gross. Despite Warner's appearant desire to pretend the film never existed, the word is getting around about what a magical film this is, and I have no doubt it will join 'It's a Wonderful Life' as a film which bombed in theatres but became a classic over the years. See it now, so you can say you discovered it before everyone else did.

Bruce Almighty (2003)

Whether or not a person believes in God, most people have thought they could make things better if they ran the world. Some would end world hunger, some would make world peace, and other would just fix the problems in their own lives. But few people would ever consider the burden and awesome responsibility of the universe's most absolute power. How would prayers be answered? How would you handle disasters and riots? What would you do if someone did not believe in you? `Bruce Almighty' presents a view of what would happen if a man's will were done. Bruce Nolan (Jim Carrey) is a field reporter for the local Buffalo, NY news station. Tired of doing human-interest stories, being passed over for promotions, and the overall course his life has taken, he calls out God (Morgan Freeman) and claims he can make things better if he ran the world. God hears Bruce's challenge and offers him the chance to prove it. The Almighty departs for a vacation and endows Bruce with all his powers. Bruce now has the opportunity to demonstrate what kind of God he can be. The only provisions are that Bruce cannot tell anyone he is God and he cannot interfere with anyone's free will. `Bruce Almighty' is wonderfully done by the talents of creative director Tom Shadyac (Liar, Liar, Patch Adams) and the humorous story by screenwriter Steve Koren (Night at the `Roxbury) and television writer Mark O'Keefe (Late Show with David Letterman). Shadyac's direction plays a key role to this visually comedic movie. Not solely relying on his performers, he also implements several sight gags. Shadyac's eye for comedy comes through when he shows how Bruce organizes his prayer requests, how Bruce dispenses justice, and even when Bruce gets a cup of coffee. The script is also well written by the comedic duo of Koren and O'Keefe. The movie is not only funny but it also looks at the seriousness of what it really means to be God. Koren and O'Keefe examine how would an average Joe handle the millions of daily prayer requests, would that person abuse his power, and would he ever give up the job. Don't get me wrong, this is not
a movie to would take your children to see to teach them religion. It is filled with teen and adult humor that fans have come to expect from this genre. Koren and O'Keefe not only manage to keep the theatre laughing but give God a human face. Jim Carrey gives another great performance as Bruce Nolan. Known for his way out antics and facial expressions, Carrey combines those talents with a genuine acting ability that sells his performance. Carrey is very much the common man in his role as Bruce. He is frustrated with the morning traffic, he wants more in life, and he wants God to make it happen. Most audiences can identify with his aggravation because most have been where Bruce has been. But Carrey is also a hilarious man-God when he rules the world. He has fun with his powers while making sure the best things work out for him. Carrey delivers just the right mix of comedy with a touch of the Spirit. Morgan Freeman and Jennifer Aniston are also enjoyable in their roles as God and Bruce's girlfriend, Grace, respectively. Freeman plays God with a humanistic yet sympathetic quality. He not only offers Bruce the chance to take his job, but also is ready to help him out when he runs into trouble or needs advice. Freeman's portrayal is also what one would expect out of God: warm, endearing, and forgiving. Aniston's screen time is somewhat limited in the film. Her performance of Grace is the typical stand-by-your-man girlfriend. She loves Bruce and will stick with him no matter how much of a jerk he can be. The role is generic but Aniston plays well with what she's dealt. Perhaps the scene-stealer of the film is the sidesplitting job done by the Daily Show's Steve Carell. Carell plays Bruce's main antagonist, Evan Baxter. Baxter and Nolan's on-going feud sets the stage for very funny on-air showdown in which Carell's performance will have audiences wiping their eyes from laughter. `Bruce Almighty' is no doubt entertaining and humorous. The movie has all the combinations to make it a success and audiences looking for a good laugh will not be disappointed. While the movie may be more popular with the teen crowd, adults may also enjoy the film as well. This is not a Jim Carrey comedy where he talks from his rear but a comedy that also examines a serious nature of life and show's Carrey has evolved as an actor. But let us hope for Jim's case, God doth have a sense of humor.