Office Space good for laughs, poking fun at dull desk jobs

Some films leave audiences with a truly profound message, such as the hilariously incomparable Office Space. Although it came and left theaters several years ago, its message still rings true today - work sucks. Mike Judge's comedic masterpiece is set in an average, corporate workplace where Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) sulks about as a disheartened, disgruntled employee. For Peter, the redundancy of upgrading software just isn't fulfilling. His boss, Bill Lumbergh, disgusts Peter with his constant nagging about TPS reports and his overuse of the phrase, "Yeah, that would be great." Co-worker Milton Waddams, with his constant mumbling about his favorite red Swingline stapler, is equally annoying. Peter's co-workers and drinking buddies, Samir Nayeenanajar and Michael Bolton, share in Peter's misery. But everything changes when Peter visits a hypnotherapist and is left in a permanent state of relaxation. Peter dissolves into the ultimate slacker. He skips work, and when he does go he wears flip-flops, breaks down the walls of his cubicle and uses his desk for cleaning fish. No longer a drone, he spends his waking hours visiting his favorite waitress Joanna (Jennifer Aniston.) Yet, despite his nonchalant attitude, Peter gets promoted while Samir and Michael find themselves out of work. Peter, Samir and Michael devise an elaborate plan that enables them to take their fair share of the company. Of course, it is not without some inevitable consequences. Office Space guarantees a laugh for those who feel like their jobs are less-than-fulfilling. Rating: A