Employee of the Month

Movie review by Jane Boursaw, Common Sense Media
Employee of the Month Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Predictable, crude comedy aimed at teens.

PG-13 2006 108 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 9 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 24 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie -- which 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?

Community Reviews

irah1
irah1 Adult
April 13, 2015
age 10+

AWESOME!

great movie.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Castellanos
Castellanos Adult
June 19, 2009
age 10+

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.
See all 9 parent reviews

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?

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

  • Clerks Poster Image

    Clerks

    Low language, high philosophy, and low budget.

    age 17+

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