OFFICE SPACE

"This is the revenge movie for contempo urban life, not just office jobs. But it’s lighthearted and savvy all at once, deep and meaningful but you don’t realise it, and there are scenes that you think you’ve lived through yourself. This is good writing and good direction, a 90s film but with all the cinematic flair of the early greats of the 30s and 40s, when movies were the mirror for society, in the absence of tv. Pain is the source of comedy, and here it’s plentiful. Take a seat and get some Space…"
Andrew L. Urban

"It's hard to imagine that the creator of Beavis and Butthead could conceive a film comedy as intelligent as Office Space; but conceive it he did, and it's one of the more underrated film delights of the year. Anyone who has ever worked in an office or a corporate environment will derive a huge amount of pleasure in the way this film, with wry humour and deftly drawn characters, satirises the corporate world. From its sharply realised opening sequence - during which cars are seen immersed in rush hour, while an old guy in a walker manages to get by faster - through to the surprising detail of what it's like to be in a dull work environment, Office Space hits it all right on the head, thanks to a sharp script by Mike Judge. The film isn't consistently hilarious, which is how it should be; it's a bit like life, with all its woes and highs. The film is clever in its approach to the material, which sets it apart from many American films that tend to be obvious and comedically cluttered. Judge has made a terrifically funny film, one full of well drawn characters, beautifully played by a fine ensemble cast. At around 90 minutes, Office Space is a breezy, uncomplicated piece of satiric entertainment. It may well be the funniest film of the year ----- because it takes one by surprise and doesn't insult the audience in the process."
Paul Fischer

"Is there anything scarier in these days of massive unemployment than losing your job? But what if your job is crushing your very soul? This is the starting point for Mike Judge’s arresting comedy Office Space. Judge (best known as the creator of Beavis & Butthead) brings an acute eye for the little details of human existence in a cubicle to create a very funny film about three oppressed guys and their dream of freedom - oh, and one very oppressed guy called Milton. Much of the humour is quite subtle and is found in the fine absurdities of the corporate world - the management-speak; the way in which reports have to be completed; the ownership of a stapler. It must be said when the film goes down the revenge track towards the end, it loses some of its steam, but this is more than made up by the amusing dialogue and the spectacular ending. Ron Livingston gives Peter a natural "everyman" kind of charm; and Jennifer Aniston finally gets a film role with some substance as Joanna. Special mention should be made of Gary Cole as the repulsive Lumbergh, and Stephen Root as Milton who plays a small but crucial role in the outcome - he’s a real delight. For anyone who’s been trapped in a corporate environment, plenty of the situations in the film will be hauntingly familiar. Seeing it may even make you a little more relaxed for the coming work week. Office Space is very funny, sharply observed and marvellously detailed - in short, a winner."
David Edwards