Remember that awful job way back when? Or maybe you’re still there? Well, “Horrible Bosses” is a tribute to everyone who’s ever wished they could put morality on hold and make that special employer go away…for good. From slimy cocaine addict to maneater to just plain evil, we’ve got this year’s attempt at “Office Space”, and it’s got enough crass humor to keep the pulse going until the end.

Jennifer Aniston stars as Dr. Julia Harris, a dentist/temptress who tries to seduce an employee in the comedy, “Horrible Bosses”. (photo by John P. Johnson)

The plotline is pretty basic: three guys decide to end their misery in the workplace and hire someone to help them kill their bosses. Nick Hendricks (Jason Bateman) has been at the same desk job for eight years, working hard for a promotion that his boss, Dave Harken (Kevin Spacey), is actually reserving for himself. Kurt Buckman (Jason Sudeikis) had a great boss until his son, Bobby Pellitt (Colin Farrell), inherited the company. Bobby would rather cut corners and fire people based on their appearance rather than maintain an ethical work environment. What’s more, he can’t help but bring his drug of choice and groupies to work.

Lastly, Dale Arbus (Charlie Day) has difficulty maintaining a job since he’s been listed as a sexual predator for drunkenly urinating in a public park in the middle of the night. His current job as a dental assistant isn’t working out too great as his boss, Dr. Julia Harris (Jennifer Aniston), continues to sexually harass him, completely aware that he can’t find a new job or complain, since no one would believe a sex offender.

After they decide to take a stand against their bosses (and by stand I mean kill), the rest of the film depicts a series of clumsy attempts at finding professional killers and trying to get the job done on their own.

“Horrible Bosses” isn’t on par with raunchy films like “Role Models” or “Knocked Up”, nor is it even that dark considering the subject matter, but it does have its own charms. Several scenes are on fire with laughing goodness, while most at least provide a solid chuckle. It’s a pretty forgettable flick, but it’s a good time if you’re looking for a break from the summer heat.

Jason Bateman stars as Nick, Charlie Day appears as Dale, and Jason Sudeikis plays Kurt in New Line Cinema's comedy "Horrible Bosses”, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. (photo by John P. Johnson)

Bateman keeps up the same dry-humored character famous from his time on “Arrested Development”. Sudeikis also doesn’t branch out, replicating his dirty-mouthed role from “Hall Pass”. The real standout performance (if you can tolerate the voice) is Day, known for his neurotic high-pitched, fast-paced performance in the irreverent comedy series, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”. Day helps vary the emotional level between two much milder characters.

The bosses make this film. Spacey plays your standard scum-of-the-earth boss, who blackmails employees and mocks their misery. Farrell’s getup alone is fantastic — pot belly and balding head with a bad comb-over — but his one-liners take his caricatured performance to the next level. However, Aniston steals the show as a dentist/temptress. The former queen of television has a sad cinematic record, but she sure knows how to drop some raunchy lines here.

Director, Seth Gordon, is a relatively new face, save several television jobs and the feature film, “Four Christmases”, but he peaked with his hysterical documentary, “King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters”, which

Few directors can make something so inane feel like the next major sports movie phenomena. “Horrible Bosses” doesn’t come close to that level of greatness, but there’s plenty to look forward to here. Once Gordon figures out how to elevate the pulse of a comedy, he’ll find his niche.

“Horrible Bosses” is an enjoyable homage to everyone who’s had enough. Say hello to a small but effective anthem to bad bosses everywhere. The film loses much of its edge towards the end, but there’s plenty to enjoy until then.