BLU-RAY/DVD REVIEWS

Three female workers get fed up with their sexist, male boss and decide to get even.

I have to be honest and say that I don’t remember a time when women were mistreated so blatantly in the workplace. Today, a sexual harassment lawsuit is as common as your monthly paycheck, so everyone is on their toes all the time. Maybe that’s why 9 TO 5 felt so incredibly outdated.

I liked the idea of three women getting payback on their hated boss, but I didn’t really feel an over-the-top comedy was the way to go. It would’ve been much funnier watching the ladies come up with new ways to get back at the guy without actually kidnapping him and threatening his life. It just felt really dated and out of place. In order to appreciate this film, I think you would’ve had to have been a working woman in the seventies or early eighties, otherwise, you’re left out of the joke.

I was really impressed with Lily Tomlin’s performance. I haven’t seen her in much, but she really is a talented actress. Dolly seemed a little uncomfortable in one of her first movie roles, but she got the job done. I’m sure her character description read “woman with big breasts”, so Dolly was the obvious choice. Everyone else did a fine job with what they had, it just wasn’t a great idea in the first place.

I’m not really a country music person, but what makes this movie is the catchy title song. That’s the only reason I can come up with for this movie being so popular for so long. Unfortunately, Dolly’s hit single is the only musical highlight in the movie. I think they missed an opportunity to have a great soundtrack, but that’s one of many misses for this film.

Commentary with Bruce Gilbert, Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton: Dolly Parton is awesome. That’s what you need to know and if you have any doubt, watch this commentary. I don’t know much about her music, but she seems like such a cool lady. This commentary is a blast. I laughed in the beginning and didn’t stop until the credits. This is a really fun commentary and worth the purchase price alone.

Deleted scenes (11:31): I have mixed feelings about these because the pacing was choppy to begin with, but some of these give better insight into the characters. Unfortunately for everyone, there’s an extended dream sequence which just isn’t necessary. Also, there’s not enough Dolly.

Nine at 25 featurette (24:35): Everyone gets together and gushes over one another. There were waaaaaayyyy too many long scenes from the movie cut in. It ruined the pacing of the featurette and ended up frustrating the audience. You’ll get some nifty tidbits and of course, more Dolly.

Remembering Colin Higgins (4:40): Yep, you guessed it, the cast talks about the late Colin Higgins. There’s also some stock footage of him talking about the movie. It wasn’t very in-depth and lacked any real insight. It really could’ve used some more Dolly.

Gag Reel (5:45): This was a nice contrast to the present day interviews with the ladies and it really seemed like they had a good time making the movie. Most of these are messed up lines, but there were some funny moments and you get to hear Dolly say “shit”. Always a good time.

There is also a Karaoke video and a Trailer.

If this film brings back feelings of nostalgia for you, then this special edition will be worth the double dip. If you haven’t seen it, then you’re not missing much and I wouldn’t bother picking this one up.