Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Swearing, cannibalism in unpleasant, unfunny dark comedy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Corporate Animals
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In CORPORATE ANIMALS, Lucy (Demi Moore) is the ruthless CEO of an edible cutlery company, ruling with an iron fist. She decides to take eight employees on a morale-building cave-exploring trip. Among them, Freddie (Karan Soni) and Jess (Jessica Williams) both covet the soon-to-be-opening position of vice president. The rest include Derek (Isiah Whitlock Jr.), Gloria (Martha Kelly), Billy (Dan Bakkedahl), May (Jennifer Kim), Suzy (Nasim Pedrad), and intern Aidan (Calum Worthy). Against the warnings of their guide, Brandon (Ed Helms), Lucy insists on taking the "expert" route. Before anyone knows it, a cave-in has trapped them in an underground cavern, where they must learn to work together and trust one another to survive.
Is It Any Good?
This mostly laugh-free dark comedy plunges into icky territory, with largely unlikable characters; aside from trying to mock the American workforce, it doesn't seem to have much of a point. Directed by Patrick Brice (of the clever found-footage horror movies Creep and Creep 2), Corporate Animals revolves around a bunch of paper-thin, cartoon-like characters with one-note personalities -- ultimately, it's difficult to care whether they survive their ordeal. Whitlock Jr.'s Derek earns the movie's only couple of giggles, but he still doesn't feel very rounded.
Only Jess seems above it all, which unfortunately forces the otherwise dynamic, funny Williams into an uncharacteristically sober, rather uninteresting role. The movie's comedic approach should have lightened the oppressiveness of the grimy, claustrophobic cave setting, but instead it only seems awkwardly at odds with it. The result is both oppressive and unfunny. The ultimate goal of Corporate Animals remains a mystery. Moore's nasty boss is, eventually, mostly toothless, and a joke about affirmative action and the diverse cast feels terribly misplaced. Better to take a day off from this one.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Corporate Animals' violence and gore. Does the fact that it's supposed to be funny change its impact?
How is sex portrayed? Which relationships are based in trust, and which are based in power? What's the difference?
How does teamwork play into this story? Does the movie promote teamwork?
Would you consider this film a good example of diversity/representation? Did the joke about grants and affirmative action affect your perception?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 20, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : November 5, 2019
- Cast : Demi Moore , Ed Helms , Jessica Williams , Karan Soni
- Director : Patrick Brice
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Indian/South Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, sexual content, some gore and brief nudity
- Last updated : December 20, 2021
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