Review of The Company Men (2010) by Thomas L — 15 Jun 2011

The Company Men is a straight forward film that explores the downsizing that has taken place in the corporate world. Moviegoers who work in corporate environments will find the film to be all too familiar by either having been effected by the downsizing or watched it occur to their colleagues around them. This is a great film.

Powered by an all star cast, The Company Men manages to succeed because of the performances, and not necessarily the script itself.Ben Affleck continues to mature as an actor and he's very good here. More seasoned actors including Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper and Kevin Costner are on the spot as always.

Written and directed by TV alum John Wells (ER, West Wing), at times, the script feels like an extended television episode with dramatic elements all at the right moments. Despite this point, The Company Men is an all too realistic examination of the world we live in today, specifically dealing with the feelings of anger after being laid off, the frustration of finding a new job, and the precarious balance of trying to maintain a family life with a reduced income.

If you've never heard of this film, I suspect it's because it got lost in the early winter dumping ground of January, where most films go to die. I think was in theaters for 5 minutes before it was pulled. Perhaps the other reason is that people may not want to see a film that is all too reflective of the current realities of life. Either way, this is a film that should be seen. Even if you don't work in corporate America,The Company Men will give you a peek into the lives of those who have been affected by downsizing and the challenges they face.

Recommended!

**Want a double-feature night? Pair The Company Men with George Clooney's Up In the Air.