This Film Never Works

I had forgotten how thoroughly unentertaining Working Girl is until I watched it again this weekend. The unfortunate thing about the film is that it has two personalities that I normally enjoy-Harrison Ford and Sigourney Weaver. However, it also showcases one of the least entertaining actresses working today-Melanie Griffith.

Let’s first of all start with the acting. Melanie Griffith is the star and her performance falls completely flat. She plays a secretary that is trying to make it in the highly competitive, male dominated corporate world. I can tell you one reason why she hasn’t made it so far-she’s annoying. She may possess some of the skills required to “make it” but she
basically wallows around complaining that she has the skills, but is just not given a fair chance. After being fired from her third job she is given another chance and placed under the supervision of Sigourney Weaver. For some unknown reason, Weaver likes her. She tells Griffith to give her input and she might use it. Of course Griffith is full of ideas and can’t wait to get to work. Weaver is mildly entertaining. Quickly she disappears in a cleaver plot device--she breaks her leg skiing and can’t be released from the hospital.

At this point, Griffith realizes that Weaver is planning to steal her idea for a corporate buy out. She basically “becomes” Weaver in order to get the deal done. Think, 9 to 5, Taking Care Of Business or Opportunity Knocks. Griffith then meets Harrison Ford. She proposes her idea for the buy out and Ford likes it. They begin working together and guess what happens? Yep, the proposal is a success and they fall in love. Every single line that Ford utters in the film seems like he is forcing it to come out. Comedy is not where he should be and Working Girl is a perfect example.

The plot continues on in a extremely predictable manner. Weaver returns and gets wise to Griffith’s lies. Weaver and Ford’s “relationship” ends because, of course, he is in love with Griffith. And, surprise, surprise, the merger goes through and Griffith is offered a legit job with the new company.

There are a few bright spots in the film. Kevin Spacey is funny is a four minute scene where he plays a coke head making a play for Griffith. Joan Cusack is also pretty good as Griffith’s best friend. However, Alec Baldwin and Oliver Platt are wasted in the film.

Overall, Working Girl is a waste of time. The plot is incomprehensible and implausible. Ford appears to be sleepwalking through the film and Griffith shows no acting talent to speak of. Basically, do not waste your time with the film. If you want to watch a comedy where a secretary makes good, go rent 9 to 5 and you’ll actually laugh and be entertained.