Horrible Bosses (2011)

Horrible Bosses (2011) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online

Horrible Bosses (2011), directed by Seth Gordon, is a dark comedy that delves into the frustrations and fantasies of employees dealing with unbearable bosses. Featuring a star-studded cast including Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis, the film combines sharp humor with a revenge-driven plot. With its blend of wit and audacity, Horrible Bosses explores the lengths to which people might go when pushed to their limits.

In this review, we’ll analyze the film’s plot, performances, and thematic elements. We’ll also provide information on where you can stream or rent Horrible Bosses online in the U.S.

Plot Summary

Horrible Bosses follows three friends—Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman), Dale Arbus (Charlie Day), and Kurt Buckman (Jason Sudeikis)—who are all deeply unhappy with their work situations due to their insufferable bosses. Each boss represents a different form of managerial nightmare:

• Nick’s Boss, Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey): A manipulative and demeaning boss who constantly belittles Nick and exploits him.
• Dale’s Boss, Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston): A sexually aggressive dentist who harasses Dale and makes his work environment unbearable.
• Kurt’s Boss, Bobby Pellitt (Colin Farrell): A careless and inept boss who is more interested in partying than managing the business, leading to a toxic work environment.

Frustrated and feeling trapped, the three friends comically devise a plan to murder their bosses in order to improve their lives. Their scheme, however, quickly spirals out of control, leading to a series of misadventures and comedic mishaps as they struggle to execute their plan and deal with the consequences.

Key Characters and Performances

• Jason Bateman as Nick Hendricks
  Jason Bateman plays Nick Hendricks, the de facto leader of the trio who is often the voice of reason. Bateman’s performance is marked by his signature deadpan humor and relatable frustration.
• Charlie Day as Dale Arbus
  Charlie Day portrays Dale Arbus, the anxious and bumbling member of the group who is subjected to relentless harassment by his boss. Day’s energetic and comedic timing adds to the film’s humor.
• Jason Sudeikis as Kurt Buckman
  Jason Sudeikis plays Kurt Buckman, the easy-going friend who becomes entangled in the plot. Sudeikis’s performance brings a laid-back charm and comedic flair to the film.
• Jennifer Aniston as Dr. Julia Harris
  Jennifer Aniston plays Dr. Julia Harris, Dale’s sexually aggressive boss. Aniston’s performance adds a provocative and comedic edge to her character.
• Kevin Spacey as Dave Harken
  Kevin Spacey portrays Dave Harken, the cruel and manipulative boss. Spacey’s portrayal adds a menacing quality to the film’s antagonist.
• Colin Farrell as Bobby Pellitt
  Colin Farrell plays Bobby Pellitt, the inept and hedonistic boss. Farrell’s performance is both comedic and absurd, adding to the film’s dark humor.

What to Expect from Horrible Bosses

Strengths

1. Strong Ensemble Cast: The film features a talented ensemble cast that delivers memorable performances. The chemistry among Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis enhances the film’s comedic impact.
2. Sharp Humor: Horrible Bosses excels in its use of dark humor and satire. The film’s witty dialogue and situational comedy provide a constant source of laughs.
3. Creative Plot: The film’s premise of plotting revenge against difficult bosses is both original and engaging. The unfolding of the plan and its chaotic consequences offer a fresh take on workplace comedy.
4. Memorable Villains: The bosses, portrayed by Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and Colin Farrell, are distinct and memorable, adding depth and variety to the film’s comedic conflicts.

Weaknesses

1. Dark Themes: The film’s dark humor and themes may not appeal to all viewers. The concept of murder and the depiction of harassment are handled with a comedic touch, which may be off-putting to some.
2. Predictable Plot: While the premise is original, the film’s narrative follows a somewhat predictable path, with the comedic mishaps leading to expected outcomes.
3. Character Development: The film focuses more on comedy and less on character development. The bosses, while memorable, are portrayed with exaggerated traits that may lack depth.

Direction and Cinematography

Seth Gordon’s direction effectively balances dark humor with comedic elements, creating a film that is both entertaining and provocative. His approach ensures that the humor remains sharp and engaging throughout.

The cinematography, by Jeffrey L. Kimball, complements the film’s comedic tone with its straightforward and functional style. The visual approach supports the narrative without overshadowing the performances.

Where to Watch Horrible Bosses Online in the U.S.

Streaming Services

Horrible Bosses is available for streaming on several platforms:

1. HBO Max
   • The film is available to stream on HBO Max. A subscription to HBO Max is required to access the film.
2. Amazon Prime Video
   • The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video. Renting typically costs around $3.99, while purchasing ranges from $9.99 to $12.99.
3. Apple iTunes
   • You can rent or purchase Horrible Bosses on Apple iTunes, with rentals priced around $3.99 and purchase options starting at $9.99.
4. Google Play Movies
   • The film is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies, with similar pricing: rentals at $3.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.
5. Vudu
   • Horrible Bosses can be rented or purchased on Vudu, with rentals typically costing around $2.99 to $4.99 and purchases ranging from $9.99 to $12.99.

Rental and Purchase Options

For additional rental and purchase options, you can also check:

• YouTube Movies
• Microsoft Store

Rental prices generally range from $2.99 to $4.99, with purchase options typically falling between $9.99 and $12.99.

Physical Media

Horrible Bosses is available on DVD and Blu-ray, which can be purchased through major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart. Physical copies may include special features like deleted scenes, bloopers, and behind-the-scenes content.

Conclusion

Horrible Bosses (2011) is a dark comedy that offers a humorous and provocative take on workplace frustrations. With strong performances from a talented cast and a creative plot, the film provides an entertaining experience for fans of dark humor. Available for streaming on HBO Max and for digital rental and purchase, Horrible Bosses is a fun choice for those looking to enjoy a comedy that pushes boundaries and explores the limits of revenge-driven humor.