Here was the first, and maybe the best hero of the 90's. Graham has been passed over for a promotion that everybody in his office knew he was going to get. And who gets it, but a weasly cigar smoking, boat owning, money loving yupster named Robert Benham.
Now, this probably happened a million times over in the junk bond, crush the little guy 80's. But it's doubtful that many of those caught in the squeeze were as resourceful as our hero Graham is. All it takes is an overzealous panhandler and a subway platform to teach Graham what it takes to survive in the business world. Once he learns, the only way to go is straight up.
Michael Caine's wry performance as Graham is a treat. From his valiant attempts to placate his shrewish wife, to his tirades at his new boss, to his convenient bewitching of a female officemate, Caine constantly pulls us into his corner.
Peter Riegert as the weasel, Swoosie Kurtz as the shrew, and Elizabeth McGovern as the smitten colleague add to the fun, hitting each note perfectly. All three develop their characters quite nicely, without slowing the story a bit.
If you're looking for shrill black humor, you won't be satisfied with Shock to the System. It is a mean film, but it's far too subtle, and not kinetic enough for the Tarantino crowd. This movie is all about stealth. Graham quietly brings the Madison avenue crowd to there knees. Sure, a few bodies pile up, but even Jerry Rubin grew to admire the corporate sharks that were spawned during the greed grab 80's. Anybody who could change from a draftcard burning hippie to a silk suit wearing yuppie would certainly identify with Graham's transformation.
I only hope Graham was more lucky than Jerry. Mr. Rubin and his briefcase left this world several years back, courtesy of an inattentive driver. If you understand this type of irony, you'll enjoy Shock to the System.
Now, this probably happened a million times over in the junk bond, crush the little guy 80's. But it's doubtful that many of those caught in the squeeze were as resourceful as our hero Graham is. All it takes is an overzealous panhandler and a subway platform to teach Graham what it takes to survive in the business world. Once he learns, the only way to go is straight up.
Michael Caine's wry performance as Graham is a treat. From his valiant attempts to placate his shrewish wife, to his tirades at his new boss, to his convenient bewitching of a female officemate, Caine constantly pulls us into his corner.
Peter Riegert as the weasel, Swoosie Kurtz as the shrew, and Elizabeth McGovern as the smitten colleague add to the fun, hitting each note perfectly. All three develop their characters quite nicely, without slowing the story a bit.
If you're looking for shrill black humor, you won't be satisfied with Shock to the System. It is a mean film, but it's far too subtle, and not kinetic enough for the Tarantino crowd. This movie is all about stealth. Graham quietly brings the Madison avenue crowd to there knees. Sure, a few bodies pile up, but even Jerry Rubin grew to admire the corporate sharks that were spawned during the greed grab 80's. Anybody who could change from a draftcard burning hippie to a silk suit wearing yuppie would certainly identify with Graham's transformation.
I only hope Graham was more lucky than Jerry. Mr. Rubin and his briefcase left this world several years back, courtesy of an inattentive driver. If you understand this type of irony, you'll enjoy Shock to the System.