Not everyone can recall all the films featuring their favorite actors, right? It’s intriguing, though, to see how many movies almost fade into obscurity, even with a star-studded cast. Take “Get a Job,” for instance. It stars Miles Teller, Anna Kendrick, and Bryan Cranston, and it’s, well, it’s been trending on HBO Max lately. Maybe it’s because it’s a comedy, or perhaps because it’s only 84 minutes long. Perfect for a laid-back movie night, isn’t it? A short, relatable comedy about job hunting sounds appealing, but let’s dig deeper.
Get a Job: Stream or Skip?
Key points: There aren’t many films that tackle college life or what comes after, especially outside the realm of the typical frat comedies. They just haven’t found their way into the 21st century as much as coming-of-age high school stories. “Get a Job” follows Will Davis (played by Miles Teller), an aspiring videographer trying to document his challenging transition from college into the workforce. Alongside him is Roger (Bryan Cranston), a father recently let go from his job, and Gillian Stewart (Anna Kendrick), Will’s college girlfriend, who faces her own struggles in the job market. The film kind of oscillates between a coming-of-age narrative and a quirky ensemble comedy.
Which movie does it remind you of?: It doesn’t quite have the wit of films like “Kicking and Screaming” or “Frances Ha.” It feels reminiscent of the often unseen Alexis Bledel flick, “Graduate School.” Still, it seems to draw inspiration from classic Apatow-style humor.
Featured performance: Honestly, the performances in this film don’t stand out as exceptional. The curiosity lies in the fact that it features familiar faces in various roles, almost like a playful experiment with an all-star lineup. Back in 2016, Nicholas Braun wasn’t the star he is today. Apart from Teller, Kendrick, and Cranston, you’ll see names like Alison Brie, Marcia Gay Harden, John C. McGinley, and a few others in supporting roles. It’s like they gathered a mix of known and emerging actors, even from “SNL.” Kendrick’s talent shines through, not because of the script, but because she’s genuinely engaging to watch.
Memorable dialogue: There’s a moment when Teller comments on his father’s dyed beard, comparing it to Billy Mays, leaving Cranston clueless and increasingly frustrated. The humor might not be a critique of Apatow-style references, but it certainly feels like one.
Gender and skin: The portrayal of Anna Kendrick in the film leans towards her being viewed as an object of desire, with several scenes suggesting this dynamic. Alison Brie plays a flirty co-worker, adding to this layer, although the film mostly sidesteps explicit content.
Our view: The mystery surrounding why such an all-star cast would choose “Get a Job” is puzzling. Despite its limited theatrical release back in 2016 and being filmed in 2012, it reflects a moment in time before the rise of “Pitch Perfect” and “Whiplash.” The film features talents like Bryan Cranston, who had already been recognized with several Emmy nominations, and Marcia Gay Harden, an Oscar winner. So, what drew them to this particular script? The filmmaker, Dylan Kidd, has made indie films before, but is this really what they had in mind?
It’s worth noting that while “Get a Job” isn’t particularly funny, it does take a swipe at millennials in their job search. The movie even opens with an extended rant about “participation trophies,” suggesting an entire generation is overindulged. You might think a story about a boomer dad and his millennial son seeking employment would address these concerns, but no—this film barely scratches the surface. It sometimes seems to loathe its own characters, leaving viewers uncertain of who Will really is: an ambitious youth, a misguided guru, or just someone clueless about office dynamics? It’s hard to pin down. The characters even come off as hypocritical, waving around bongs while pondering their life choices.
Our call: As tempting as an 80-minute film featuring Anna Kendrick might sound, it’s likely better to pass on this one.
