Anyone who thinks moviegoing can't be a cathartic experience should see "Office Space."
Actually, anyone who's ever worked for a corporation will probably appreciate this surprising comedy from Mike Judge, creator of the animated TV series, "Beavis and Butthead" and "King of the Hill."
Of course, given that Judge is making his live-action, feature film debut, there are bound to be some rough spots. His "shot vocabulary" is limited, and there are some very slow stretches, as well as some gags that are in questionable taste.
But the "everyone can relate" attitude that pervades the film helps, as do some good performances.
The story is loosely based on the series of "Milton" animated shorts (some of Judge's earliest work), which presaged "Dilbert" by a couple of years. Set in the fictional computer software firm Initech, "Office Space" follows several disgruntled employees, including Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston, from "Swingers"), a programmer who really hates his job.
In fact, Peter's attitude toward work gets so bad that his domineering girlfriend forces him to see an "occupational hypnotherapist." Unfortunately — or perhaps fortunately for him — the man dies while Peter is still in a trance, which gives him a new outlook on life.
The next week, Peter begins showing up late to work — or not at all. And when he is there, he just goofs off, which irritates his supervisor (Gary Cole) but which also earns him a promotion!
Meanwhile, his hard-working co-workers Michael Bolton (David Herman) and Samir (Ajay Naidu) are faced with the possibility oflayoffs when the company brings in a pair of consultants (John McGinley and Richard Willson) and must interview with the dreaded duo just to save their jobs.
There are also subplots about Peter, Michael and Samir taking revenge in the workplace, as well as Peter's burgeoning romance with a waitress at a chain restaurant (Jennifer Aniston).
As mentioned, the performances are decent, especially Livingston, Herman and Cole. Also, Diedrich Bader (TV's "The Drew Carey Show") and Stephen Root (of "NewsRadio," who brings Judge's "Milton" character to life here), nearly steal the show.
"Office Space" is rated R for profanity, use of vulgar slang terms and some sex talk, violent abuse of office machinery (as well as a scene of vehicular violence), simulated sex, brief female nudity and use of some racial epithets.