Like a Boss is out now on DVD, Blu-Ray and digital download and the thing about the flick is that it knows its lane and never tries to veer elsewhere. Tiffany Haddish and Rose Byrne star as a couple of pals who have known each other since they were teenagers who start a cosmetic company together. What could go wrong?
What works about the Miguel Arteta (Beatriz at Dinner) helmed comedy is the comic chemistry between the two leads. Yes, you have seen this set-up before. What with the seemingly mismatched friends who are incredibly unique, yet still find a way to be the best of friends. See, in this scenario, Mel (Haddish) and Mia (Byrne) see business from different points of view. One is anchored and grounded and sees their business as a sensible way of slowly building success. The other, would love nothing more than to be a huge success so she can fund a luxe life.
Their business takes off, but they find themselves in massive debt from all that it entails to start a company. So, when Claire Luna (Salma Hayek) comes along—she’s a beauty business beacon of success—with an offer to buy them out, they jump at the opportunity. Not only does it save their business endeavor, but it gives them a chance to be flush with cash and work alongside a legend in their field. Now, this is a comedy … so you know that this relationship is not going to go smoothly.
The trio of actresses are terrific together and their comedic chemistry largely works—particularly Haddish and Byrne. The two have been making cinematic comedies for years now and have respectively earned major comedy cred for their respective lineup of funny flicks. Byrne stole scenes left and right in both Get Him to the Greek and Bridesmaids. The Australian actress had been a dramatic leading lady and when those two flicks entered the pop culture lexicon, she started taking on comedic work, such as Neighbors and Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising (opposite Seth Rogen). Haddish, on the other hand, has rocketed to fame after her own scene stealing efforts in Girls Trip, Night School and her amazing voice acting work in The Secret Life of Pets 2.
Haddish and Byrne play their parts perfectly and do much to bring a so-so script by Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly to life. There is nothing in Like a Boss that is unpredictable, but that is fine. During these trying times with the Coronavirus has leveled on the globe, a light comedy that does not require too much thinking is exactly what many of us need from our entertainment. As such, you will not be disappointed. There will a couple of LOL moments and certainly a few scenes that will create smiles. Then, there’s Hayek. She plays the antagonist well, as it’s been something she’s done before. Her character does not necessarily have the richest in terms of backstory, nor does she require it. When the three ladies share cinema-space, the titanic talent of this trio is palpable. It’s just that nobody here is breaking new ground.
When Like a Boss works best, comedically, it is when Arteta has his ensemble dishing out the slapstick/physical element. The supporting performers are also impeccably cast, especially Billy Porter as Barrett, who works for Mia and Mel. He takes what was on the page, i.e. a somewhat stereotypical gay sidekick, and injects lightning into the comedic mix. The same can be said for longtime comedy genius, Jennifer Coolidge. Her Sydney hits the right notes throughout and divinely understands her supporting spoke in the comedy’s wheel.
With Coworkers Like There, Who Needs Friends? leads the scarce bonus features with an almost six-minute look at how all involved became friends during the shoot. This featurette is an interesting study in camaraderie transcending the screen. One drawback of this extra is that it left us wanting more! Get Some with Ron and Greg is a rather disappointing featurette that centers on the makeup bros in the flick, played by Ryan Hansen and Jimmy O. Yang.
Lastly, there are two deleted scenes that clock in a two-and-a-half minutes. There’s fascinating, but also perfectly clear why the director left them on the cutting room floor. What would have been nice, actually, is a director’s commentary track.
Film Grade: B-
Bonus Features: C