Employee of the Month (2004)

A little known indie flick that is absolutely brilliant. Indie films are usually good, but when we are offered one with an all star cast it's usually a real treat. We usually get a completely different look at what the actors involved can actually do. Basically it follows the hellish week that David Walsh (Matt Dillon- who BTW is NO Johnny Drama) is having as his entire life unravels. He is some yuppie schmuck bank employee. His numbers are good, his attitude is right and the day he expects a little pat on the back he is actually given his walking papers. Pissed as he may be, he has the rest of the week to finish up before he is no longer needed. The dinner date he has with his fiance' Sara (Applegate) and her parents the night of his release may be the most uncomfortable dinner in history. Lets just say there are certain conversations that are had between a man and his wife/fiance'/girlfriend that should not be held in front of her parents. That's what happened. So now he has lost his job and girl in the same day. This is where we meet Jack. Played by the always brilliant Steve Zahn. He has a bit of a "Jesus" look to him in this film. I like it. He looks awesome with a beard. He is a bit of a low life. He "cheers" David up by taking him to a strip club, getting drunk, and constantly affirming that he is better off. As he goes in for his final day to clean out his desk, more poop hits the fan that is David's life. A bank robbery is happening and David is taken hostage. This is where the story begins to twist. What is actually going on? Is David in on it? Where is Jack during all of this? It is a short thrilling movie that keeps the audience guessing. I do not own it because it plays so often on IFC (Channel 131 on Dish and 797 on UVerse). If you ever get a chance to watch this little seen gem, do not miss out. Stream it if you have to. Its only 90 minutes and it does not stop changing directions all the way to the very end. I love the direction of this movie. The way scenes are shot is a lot of misdirection. We see this, so we think that. It's fun. Trust me. Its worth it. After you see it and begin promoting it to your friends they will ask this question, "The one with Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson?" Respond with, "No, this one features Real actors."

NBM rates Employee of the Month - Phenomenal

Buy It!