1117. Sorry to Bother You

Sorry to Bother You
2018
Directed by Boots Riley

This is a movie that I tried and failed to like. I actually really love the actors in this movie, including the criminally underused Tessa Thompson, Terry Crews, Lakeith Stanfield, and Armie Hammer (even if he scares me). But I just couldn't get on board with this, I guess I only like my magic realism in books.

Cassius "Cash" Green lives in a garage with his girlfriend, Detroit, who is an artist/sign twirler. Desperate to pay his rent, Cash gets a job as a telemarketer at Regal View. Another coworker teaches him that he'll have more success on the phone if he uses his "white voice." This voice isn't so much what white people really sound like, as what they wish they sound like (which apparently isn't bangable in the slightest). Cash's coworkers want to go on strike for more pay and benefits, but Cash thinks he has a chance of making it as a power caller, which comes with its own, um, set of perks.

I liked the beginning of this movie and its premise. After all, any kind of sales office is a surreal place, where everybody transforms into these weird company-a-trons that say things like "Happy Friday Lite gang" on Thursdays. But they kind of lost me as the film progressed. I prefer movies that are a bit more subtle. That's a personal preference, of course, and I am sure the style of this film will appeal to many. 

I would have preferred a movie more firmly based in reality that explored Cash's and Detroit's relationship more, and the strain of working at a place like Regal View. Instead, I felt like I was on shrooms, which is not something my personality type enjoys.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Donald Glover was originally cast for the main role, but had to drop out due to a conflict with shooting Solo: A Star Wars Story.