Like a Boss

Comedies are no stranger to overused types of premises but often have a challenge to see if the quality of the humors and comedians acting are enough make an entertaining time. They tend to rely on star power of comedians relevant at the time and hope that the standard plot script along with improv from the actors can make the quality speak for itself. Plenty of common storylines within this genre include an adult who must grow up from their aimless routine, friendships being put to the test by an opposing third party, a hapless underdog trying to win the attention of a possible romantic interest with shenanigans ensuing, etc. This brings us to another similar entry in that vein from the beginning of 2020, Like A Boss, which starred Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne in the lead roles. The marketing campaign didn't look that appealing by attempting to show it's "big joke highlights". Being released in January wasn't a good sign either since that's an indication of lacking studio confidence in products they deem bad. I decided to check to see if that month choice was warranted and after finishing it, I can see why this rushed film was put there.  

What's it about? The film follows two close friends whose future with their cosmetics company is threatened by an industry professional. The humor here has the potential to find the funny bone for those who enjoy hearing someone make raunchy jokes since there's an abundance of that here. The intentions for a positive female bond message is a focus to look forward to, regardless of the overall quality. There is also a scene where a co-worker is getting fired that's basically the best joke that works (too bad it was shown in the trailers).

While those factors are admirable, everything else about the screenplay falls apart. The reliance on improv is apparent when it doesn't feel like it connects to overall flow. The sex jokes and zingers the cast is forced to work with just flies by without much of a chuckle. The recycled plot that's being dealt with here is predictable and rushes itself (especially in the third act that just wants to be done with itself). When it gets out of its gross slapstick shenanigans to the main arc of the matter, it goes by that so fast that even the temporary broken bond only lasts 3-4 minutes within the final 20 minute mark.

 

How are the actors? In regards to story importance, the actors to focus on are Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne. If there's anything positive to mention here, it's that the chemistry between Haddish and Byrne working as well as it does, despite their script. Tiffany and Byrne are once again playing their usual archetypes of party girl with the dirty lines and an awkward kind friend but it does show that they deserved a better project that this. Honorable mentions goes to Salma Hayek, Bill Porter, and Karan Soroni for looking like they were having fun. Dishonorable mentions goes to Jennifer Coolidge for being miscast and having bad improv skills (could have been bad directing there too). 

 

Overall Consensus: Like A Boss as a comedy falters by feeling like it gave up on itself with bad direction of terrible predictable script that's rushing towards the end credits, despite the chemistry of the actors and a well-intended message. ⭑⭑1/4 Runtime: 1 hour 23 minutes R

 

Reasons to watch it: You like the aforementioned actors. You want something with raunchy humor as background noise. 

 

Reasons to avoid it: You dislike the aforementioned actors. You dislike bland humorless romps that tries being disgusting at times with visual gags.