Nine to Five

It is Judy Bernly's first day at work and she is being shown around by Violet Newstead. She introduced to new workmates and boss Franklin Hart, Jr. It soon becomes clear that Hart is a 'sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot'... he gives a man a promotion over Violet despite her greater experience and lets the office know he is having an affair with his secretary, Doralee Rhodes despite the fact that she has rebuffed all his advances. It all comes to a head one day and Judy, Violet and Doralee end up talking about how they would like to kill him... then, following an accident, it looks as if one of them has really killed him... their lives are about to get complicated.

This office based comedy really stands the test of time; the technology and big hair may have long gone but the basic story still feels fresh and is certainly still funny. That are plenty of laughs throughout the film although most come after the women start talking about killing Hart and then deal with the consequences when they fear one of them has accidentally poisoned him. The fantasy sequences may be a little cheesy, one even feature Disney style cartoon animals, but I found them rather funny. The three female leads; Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton are great as Judy, Violet and Doralee; three distinct characters whose developing friendship feels real. Dabney Coleman is equally great as Hart; he makes the character easy to dislike while still keeping him very funny. The film has a clear message about how women are treated in the workplace; this might not be subtle but it never felt like a lecture. There isn't much to offend in the film; just some comical sex references... I can only imagine the UK '15' certificate is because the three protagonists enjoy a joint together and are shown to have a good time rather than any negative effects. Overall I'd definitely recommend this to anybody wanting a good laugh who enjoys '80s films, especially ones with strong female leads.