Employee of the Month (PG-13, 2006)

common sense media says

Predictable, crude comedy aimed at teens.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie -- which kids will want to see thanks to stars Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson -- is predictably rife with potty humor, foul-mouthed characters, sexual innuendo, and not-so-subtle racism and sexism -- which means kids will think it's a hoot. An African-American character is a dim-witted, gentle giant, while an Asian character willingly does favors for sweet treats. And let's not forget Hispanic nimrod Jorge with his vapid stare -- apparently Efren Ramirez (Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite) isn't too concerned about being typecast. In one scene, Jorge pulls a knife, and Vince says to him, "I thought you were Mexican, not Puerto Rican!" What century is this, again?

Positive messages: Various cultures (Asian, Hispanic, African American) are stereotyped. Male characters try to win a contest to have sex with a female character. A boy begs his mom to buy toys. Name-calling. A character slacks off at work.
Violence: Slapstick violence. Characters run into a forklift, get caught in a cord and trip, fall off a counter, get hit with a locker door/mini-golf ball/tennis ball, collide while catching a baseball, and fall off an indoor porch swing.
Sex: Characters compete to have sex with a girl. A female character dresses provocatively in tight shirts with lots of cleavage. References to male genitals. A character stares at a woman's breasts. Sexual innuendoes and double meanings ("plant the seed").
Language: "Anal," "balls," "chicks," "butt," "s--t."
Consumerism: The movie is set at a giant warehouse store full of products, so if you can name it, it's probably in there: Folger's coffee, Charmin toilet paper, Milk Duds, Gummi Bear vitamins, Sharpie, Honda, Toyota Camry, Hummer remote control car, and lots more.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some minor drinking.

More on Employee of the Month

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why such stupid stuff is so funny to kids. Make sure they get the fact that a lot of the movie relies on stereotypical behaviors and characters for its humor, and ask them to talk about how they recognize the difference between real life and comedic cliches. You can also use the movie to discuss acceptable ways to win someone's affections. What would have been a better way to impress the new girl? Is it ever OK to use questionable behavior to get ahead? And shouldn't Zack have tried harder at work because it's the right thing to do, rather than just to impress Amy?

What's the story?

What's the story?

Vince Downey (Dax Shepard) and Zack Bradley (stand-up comic Dane Cook) both work at the massive Super Club store (think Sam's Club or Costco). But their careers have taken drastically different paths. In the 10 years he's been there, Vince has excelled, advancing to head cashier and winning 17 consecutive "Employee of the Month" awards, thanks in large part to his willing sidekick, Jorge (Efren Ramirez). Zack, on the other hand, is a total slacker who's still working as a box boy. But he changes his tune when the store hires gorgeous new cashier Amy (Jessica Simpson). After hearing that Amy sleeps with any guy who wins the monthly award, Zack decides to try to beat Vince at his own game.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH is predictable and rife with innuendo and crude humor, but it has a few things going for it. Everyone can identify with mass consumerism run amok in these superstores, where products matter more than people and shoppers routinely walk out with truck-loads of Cheerios, Pepsi, and other "necessities" -- in that respect, the movie is reminiscent of Office Space set in a warehouse store.

Some of the best scenes feature Zack's buddies, played by Andy Dick (who, for once, isn't annoyingly hyper), Brian George, and Harland Williams. Simpson gives her usual bland performance, despite the blinding white teeth veneers. Tim Bagley is memorable as store boss Glen Gary, who shudders at the thought of his bullying brother (Danny Woodburn) -- named Glen Ross (David Mamet fans unite) -- paying a visit from Super Club's corporate offices. All in all, Employee of the Month falls far short of being truly memorable, but chances are it will still have a cult following among Cook's many fans.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Lionsgate
Director: Greg Coolidge
Cast: Dane Cook, Dax Shepard, Jessica Simpson
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 108 minutes
Theatrical release: October 5, 2006
DVD release: January 16, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: crude and sexual humor, and language.
Watch our review

This review was written by Jane Boursaw
 
 

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What parents & educators say

10

Most useful reviews by all members

 
fabmovie
this movie is great movie to watch if you wont to sit and watch a good film with friends or family this is the film to it is a must see!!!!

takeastand94
teen, 17 years old
 
ok
this movie is the bomb


kid, 12 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


teen, 14 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


kid, 11 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.

061793
teen, 18 years old
 
great movie

directerdude123
teen, 18 years old
 
it made me laugh
The movie was pritty funny and interesting but it got rather dull at some parts. If you didn't pay attention than you will think it is a waste of your time.


kid, 12 years old
 
Becarful with little children (6.5-12)


teen, 14 years old
 
Becarful with little children (6.5-12)


kid, 11 years old
 
Becarful with little children (6.5-12)


kid, 12 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


teen, 14 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


kid, 11 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.

 
I LUV THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!
This is such a good funny movie!

smithblack
teen, 16 years old
 
smart employees !
i liked this movie alot.Dane Cook and Harland Wiliams are funny.Even though there was crude humor i lived it.


kid, 12 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


teen, 14 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.


kid, 11 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.

 
Unfunny tween comedy is not worth watching
Employee of the Month is an painfully predictable, unfunny attempt at a comedy for tweens. The only black man in the movie is a timid guy whose pushed around, the only hispanic man sucks up like a vacuum to a racist that treats him like crap, and the main female is ogled by all the males and is little other then eye candy in the movie. There are a handful of s**ts and other lesser swear words. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone because there are better movies than this, that people could see instead. Happy Gilmore and (for older audiences) Clerks are both much better movies that are similar to this. If you're thinking of watching this, watch one the other two I suggested and you'll thank me.


kid, 12 years old
 
never for kids: 6 and under iffy for kids: 7-12. appropriate for kids: 12 and over.
iffy for people 7-12 or almost 7. should be Rated TV-MA for language and violence. why would they put off for what and under, iffy for the next age to (an)other age and then on for the same age on the (an)other age list,,,,, i think should stay next and then next.

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