Review of The Company Men (2010) by Adler N — 06 May 2011

Damn those corporate buggers!

Well, not all of em'. Because those who aren't those buggers, are the ones telling a story in this film, directly or indirectly. Bobby Walker (Ben Affleck) goes to work one morning, feeling a little cocky about his golf game, and starts rambling to everyone about his swing. Unfortunately, what was turning to be another great working day for Walker became a firing day. He, along with thousands of others, were fired as the company's stocks suffered after an huge overnight recession. So dear, dear.

As Walker licks his own wounds, Gene (an enigmatic Tommy Lee Jones) and Chris (Phil Woodward) also get the boot. So, as the movie progresses, we get to see the trials and tribulations of these characters, who end up, old and in need of a job. Along this line, though, does it get really interesting. A mixture of frustration, anger, resentment and sarcasm is shown, particularly through Affleck.

Strangely, even with the dual acting of Jones-Affleck it might have gotten a wee bit dull. One way or another Walker endures yet another job turned down. And after feeling sorry for himself and getting restricted of his golfing games, he decides to start making that 'change'. Whilst he was doing all that, the movie then turns to Gene and Chris, both of whom are still of the opinion that there is still hope in this depressing times of recession. So, basically, the movie tilts so much on these characters every now and then that we have to ask, "Are we supposed to feel sorry for these guys?".

Yes, probably. Simple because, Affleck does a darn good job as the anguished (that's the word!) 'washed-up' man. And the plot brought out the best of Jones and Woodward. Yep, if it were not for these two, the movie wouldn't have been great. For a film that aims to prove a point about the trend of self-centered companies, this is good. Real good. Now, do the tiger for me!

Personally*... I think I'm proud to say, I'm a Ben Affleck fan.