Lovesusti
The Worst Film Ever
Dirtylogy
It's funny, it's tense, it features two great performances from two actors and the director expertly creates a web of odd tension where you actually don't know what is happening for the majority of the run time.
Philippa
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
2001ASOfan
Here it is 2017, 37 years after this film was made, and, while seeing a revival this week in a local multiplex was a mostly joyous, hilarious experience (all four leads and the script are terrifically funny, and the film holds up truly well), I was reminded that men like Dabney Coleman's character are very much alive and just as prevalent in modern day--nothing much has changed in the business (or political) world in those 37 years. That part was depressing. But since laughter truly is the best medicine, "9 to 5" is one way to deal with the insanity in a healthy way, and remind viewers that sometimes you have to fight back on the same level of nastiness that the perpetrator puts out! Here the purge of the women's frustration is outlined in some hilariously over-the-top healthy fantasies--marijuana-driven scenes that have Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda dreaming of how they'd rid their lives of an evil, despicable boss, with none of them seriously thinking they would actually get their revenge in such violent (and very, very funny) ways. However, a case of mistaken-packaging-identity has them thinking they may have actually put their boss' demise in motion. It all plays out in an upbeat and, again, hilarious way, and it made me realize there aren't that many truly funny adult-themed PG-ish rated comedies made these days. I miss 'em! I loved all three women, and their eventual camaraderie is truly energizing and fun to be a part of, and Dabney Coleman makes a great evil boss. I still have some of Dolly's zingers ringing in my head days after viewing, particularly one about how Coleman's character needs to be taken down by some hired rustlers--her combination of innocence and fire is one of the reasons her popularity remains strong 37 years later!
Python Hyena
Nine to Five (1980): Dir: Colin Higgins / Cast: Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, Dabney Coleman, Elizabeth Wilson: Observant and hilarious view of women in a working world dominated by males. It takes place in an office building with recently divorced Jane Fonda arrives for her first day. Lily Tomlin plays a working mother who has seen it all and handles the demands like a pro. Sunny Dolly Parton is so full of life yet she feels bad when ignored by co- workers due too untrue rumors spread by the boss. Through an awkward set of events blackmail plays a factor and they kidnap their boss and create a better working environment. Funny and clever with appealing revenge fantasies played out during an evening of smoking pot. Insightful directing by Colin Higgins who previously made the spy comedy Foul Play. Fonda, Tomlin and Parton are hilarious with Dabney Coleman perfectly cast as the chauvinistic boss. Elizabeth Wilson is amusing as Coleman's nosy assistant who spies the the women. All three women are from different backgrounds, with Fonda dealing with her ex-husband's attempt to mend, Tomlin dealing with bickering children, and Parton sent out to buy scarves for her boss's wife that end up being given to her. Plus an ending where everybody seems to win including the boss who encounters deja vu. Strong statement of woman's rights result in a true comic gem. Score: 10 / 10
AaronCapenBanner
Colin Higgens directed and wrote this hit comedy that stars Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton as three office secretaries in a successful firm who must contend with their lecherous and overbearing boss Franklyn Hart(played by Dabney Coleman) who treats them like servants, and wont leave Parton alone(despite being married). The women fantasize about revenge(in a colorful series of vignettes) but unexpectedly get their chance one day, and things will never be the same again... Good cast, especially Coleman in a most memorable performance, and though it starts out well, it eventually takes a sharp-left turn into contrived absurdity, and never recovers, despite almost redeeming itself with a bright ending. Truly uneven.
jimbo700
When I first saw this in theaters in 1980, I never imagined I'd be sitting here in 2011 (November) writing about it. Probably because there was no Internet/World Wide Web in 1980, but I digress. This picture is now 31 years old and it has aged gracefully. Lilly, Dolly and Jane in arguably their best roles ever really shine. You can tell they were having fun filming this movie. Dabney Coleman is true to form as the evil boss and the supporting characters are equally funny ("... atta girl"). When they manage to remove the boss from the office, everything changes. Better pay, redecorating of the entire floor, relaxed atmosphere, flowers, job-sharing (2 employees split a full time shift so they can spend the other half of the day with their kids), in-house day care and lots more. When F-ART (Franklin Hart) returns, will Dora, Violet and Judy be able to keep the changes or get fired? This picture holds up well... my favorite part is Violet's "fantasy" with Bambi, Thumper and the other animals and birds. Very, very, very funny. 8 out of 10, even 31 years later.
