Miss Nobody (2010) Poster

(2010)

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6/10
Dark, twisted and very entertaining...
paul_haakonsen25 June 2017
When I sat down to watch "Miss Nobody" it was without any prior knowledge about what the movie was about, who starred in it and without any expectations of what the movie would be like. All I knew was that it was a dark comedy.

It turned out that writer Doug Steinberg had come up with a rather funny script for this movie. And director Abram Cox brought the story to life on the screen in a very entertaining way.

The storyline in "Miss Nobody", shortly summarized, is about a secretary who scales the corporate ladder at record speed but leaves a trail of dead bodies in her wake.

"Miss Nobody" works out quite well because it is a wonderful combination of dark, twisted comedy and likable characters. And the fact that the cast ensemble were good and did great jobs with their roles and characters was just a plus, of course.

And while we are on the topic of the cast, then I will say that Leslie Bibb was doing a phenomenal job of carrying the movie with her performance. And there were some great supportive appearances from talents such as Adam Goldberg, Kathy Baker, Missi Pyle, Brandon Routh, Vivica A. Fox and Barry Bostwick whom all really added a lot to the movie, despite most of them having very small roles actually.

The situations portrayed in "Miss Nobody" definitely had a great part to say about the outcome of the movie. And here writer Doug Steinberg proved to be very talented, because he had come up with some very hilarious situations for the characters. There are some good laughs to be had throughout the course of this movie.

If you enjoy a dark comedy, then "Miss Nobody" is definitely a movie that you should take the time to sit down and watch. It turned out to be quite a surprise and a very entertaining movie in my opinion.
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5/10
A Redundant "Amélie."
pdtp91117 June 2011
This film reminded me immediately of one of my favorite films - Amélie. It is delivered in the same quirky, cartoon-like style but without the mesmerizing charm and flowing story line. The acting by Leslie Bibb was fantastic and she did a wonderful job with what she was given. Everyone in the cast was outstanding and acted their hearts out. I can easily see why they all won awards for their performances in Boston. The main problem I found with this movie was that after the first half hour it was so repetitive and predictable, I found myself looking at my watch every 5 minutes. That being said, I appreciated the director's (Tim Cox) dedication to the style of Jean-Pierre Jeunet (Amélie), as I imagine that these kind of films are much more difficult to direct and produce than a straight forward, dark comedy. I was relieved when it all came to an end.
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6/10
Be Careful with the Aspirin
claudio_carvalho12 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Sarah Jane McKinney (Leslie Bibb) is a secretary of the big Judge Pharmaceutical company and devote of St. George that she believes protects her since she was a child. Sarah Jane lives in the boarding house of her mother Claire McKinney (Kathy Baker) where the Mr. Ketchum (Geoffrey Lewis) that has Alzheimer is her only client. Sarah Jane also dreams on finding her knight in shinning armor.

One day, Sarah Jane's best friend, the also secretary Charmaine (Missi Pyle) shows her that the company needs a junior executive and she will apply her curriculum vitae to the position. Sarah Jane decides to do the same and she is selected to the position. However, the political lady killer Milo Beeber (Brandon Routh) is transferred to the position and she is her secretary. When he makes a pass at her, Sarah Jane goes to his flat and accidentally kills Beeber. On the next day, she is promoted to the position of junior executive again. Sarah Jane has to kill other executives to protect her and she climbs in the company. When the new guest Det. Sgt. Bill Malloy (Adam Goldberg) comes to the boarding house, they fall in love with each other. But the problem is that Malloy is the homicide detective in charge of the investigation of the murder cases.

"Miss Nobody" is a comedy of black humor with a dark criticism to the environment and how to climb positions in a corporation. The idea of killing bosses is not original, but he screenplay is funny and Leslie Bibb using the same style of Audrey Tautou in "Amélie Poulain". In the end, the movie entertains but the conclusion is moralist. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil) : "Uma Secretária de Morte" ("A Death Secretary")
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4/10
Kill your way up the corporate ladder!
daniel-mannouch21 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Miss Nobody is another romantic comedy with gallows humour shoe horned in for the lols. In the first opening minutes, we have domestic violence played for laughs and a coming of age montage which sets our protagonist up as a serial killer waiting for her trigger, and her trigger just so happens to be the bad egg executives of the big pharma company she works for. Perfectly understandable.

What could have been a genuinely quirky combination of Tom Harris and Nicholas Sparks is let down considerably by stilted performances and TV pilot cinematography. It's kinda crap. Not much is memorable about Miss Nobody apart from it's premise. It's a film I'd rather remake than watch.

Miss Nobody falls somewhere in between quirky character study and film noir. It's a mess to be sure, but it does have some interesting elements and some effort is on display here. But the tone is all over the place, the acting is all over the place and either down to performance or writing, our protagonist is just not that charismatic enough of a person to be either engaging or sympathetic. It's a mildly entertaining film that is worth one watch and nothing more.
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7/10
Murder in a fun, cartoon-like environment
napierslogs21 August 2011
Sarah Jane McKinney (Leslie Bibb) is "Miss Nobody", a secretary for a pharmaceutical company who has no boyfriend but faith that her guiding angel will send her messages as to what she should be doing. Her mother ensures her that everybody lies, so a very smudged resume gets her a promotion to junior executive.

Sarah Jane is mostly concerned about finding her knight in shining armour since a job is only a job and doesn't warm your heart. Karma, an underlining belief in this film, says that you get what you deserve. She didn't really deserve that promotion, and indeed finds that she lost it after all and is now a secretary for a new, young, handsome company transfer. But that must be her path in life since he's handsome and men always sleep with their secretary.

But to be clear, this is not a romantic comedy. It's a light-hearted dark, crime comedy. It seems fantasy-like, or even cartoon-like in its use of colour, narration and score choice. It tries to be edgy, like film noir, but is way too silly for that mix to work well. But it is fun, and that is most likely its ultimate aim.

When she accidentally murders her handsome boss, it turns out she wants to aim high in the corporate world – she wants the corner office. As her guiding angel sends her more messages, it looks like more accidental murders might be in her future and life is looking pretty grand for Miss Sarah Jane.

The best part of the film is Adam Goldberg, he introduces himself as her knight in shining armour, and while she is smitten with him, he happens to be a homicide detective. The instant conflict that we can see in their relationship is handled well.

The performances throughout the film are great and the sense of fun is always there. They are definitely going for something fairly unique and for the most part they succeed in that. There was a bit too much narration; better films would be able to show me what they need to and then let me figure out the rest, and things get wrapped up in a slightly unsatisfying way, but for "Miss Nobody" it's more about the journey and how we get there.
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Minor dark comedy that is fun to watch but let down by an unimaginative ending.
TxMike18 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Found this one on streaming Netflix.

Leslie Bibb is Sarah Jane McKinney, rising young executive who gets her first promotion, only to find that someone transferred in to snatch it away from her. That person is Brandon Routh (Superman) as Milo Beeber. But he graciously lets Sarah Jane stay on as his secretary.

As the tagline says, she innocently kills her boss, Beeber, but that leads to a large number of subsequent complications.

I rather enjoyed watching it as a quirky dark comedy, nothing is taken too seriously. Bibb is pretty good in the lead role. However near the end, as things are wrapping up there is a lot of voice-over, explaining quite a number of things. This is always a sign that the story hasn't quite been put together well, and you can't leave viewers confused.Then the ending wasn't very imaginative.

I enjoyed Adam Goldberg as detective Bill Malloy, who gets assigned to investigate the deaths, but also gets sweet on Sarah Jane. Always good in quirky parts, Kathy Baker is Sarah Jane's kookie mother Claire McKinney. Missi Pyle is co-worker Charmaine. Vivica A. Fox is Sarah Jane's boss, Nan Wilder.

SPOILERS: In this particular business everyone seems to be untrustworthy. The "murders" begin when Beeber has Sarah Jane go to his house for work, but ends up chasing her up a library type ladder, she pushes him, he falls backwards and is impaled, dead, by an umbrella. As the story goes on she must cover her tracks, so keeps murdering other co-workers. When it finally seemed that all her tracks were covered, and she now had the big job and the corner office, she falls victim to her own booby trapped water bottle, inadvertently drinking a lethal mixture of medications, and dies also. Karma.
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7/10
A quirky a light-hearted dark, crime comedy with an original script
JohnRayPeterson25 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I read the four reviews preceding mine and then decided to watch the movie. I suggest you read the same reviews, not just mine, and hope you come to the same conclusion, viewing the movie.

I can't understand the low ratings, or perhaps the very average one. Regardless, I was entertained and certainly would not ask for my money back. The style, or composite of styles adopted here by director Tim Cox was successful; he orchestrated the production in the best possible way to maximize the script's originality. In the opening credits , stylish animation with perfectly scored music, I saw immediately , as one can with the opening credits of the original "The Pink Panther" movie, that we were going to view a comedy certainly and one that would likely be quirky. Yes, I got all that from the opening credits. Already a sign of a pretty good production. Then the opening scene blends time-lines; one where the main character Sarah Jane McKinney played by Leslie Bibb reflects on her disappointing current life and recalls an earlier and equally disappointing preteen life (Mia Pollini plays young Sarah Jane). In that opening scene young Sarah Jane prays to Saint-George for help, then present day Sarah Jane is inspired once again to call on her favourite saint for help. The narrated events which has Sarah Jane having a pseudo-dialogue with the saint is the trademark of the film, and the whole movie is punctuated by such moments; indeed she calls on Saint-George for help and guidance, and off course he responds with signs Sarah Jane interprets as the answer she needs at the time. Every accidental murder, that's what they must be called, are intertwined by divine intervention, sort of speak.

Now if you have read the full IMDb storyline, and I recommend you do, and factor in my spoiling comments above, you should have a better idea of the nature of the movie. Like my fellow reviewers, I agree the script/movie works, it just does; thanks to good performances by the cast, who, with the direction of Tim Cox, pull off a lovely dark comedy that's not as dark to watch as it will appear to be on paper. You will like Leslie Bibb, in her first lead role.
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6/10
99 good things, but flow ain't one of them . . .
sfmccollough10 December 2016
This movie has everything you would want in a great movie: spot on actor selections, great plot, excellent locations, funny narration and dialog. But, it winds up being just a so-so movie. It is a movie that found me reaching for the remote to fast-forward more than once due to it's tendency to drag along in places, only to leap to another situation. It is a movie that you WANT to cheer for, but can't. You WANT it to succeed, but it doesn't. Excitement builds at the end, with fairly good pacing, but it is almost too little, too late. Given the abilities of actors involved and the really funny plot, I feel that a different director would be able to tie this up into a neat package that would be on my list of movies to wear-out watching.
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8/10
431rd Review: Beautifully made and one of the better comedies about the corporate ladder
intelearts18 June 2011
Leslie Bibb gives a wonderful performance in the lead combining a naive outlook with her own personal justification that carries the film. Everything works here, and all in all, this is a fun (and surprisingly non-violent) murderous trip into the corporate world that could well be a sleeper hit like Office Space was - it is a good little film, with loads of character actors that you'll recognize, a strong romance, and suspense, and is, all in all, a wry take on corporate life.

As a massive plus, it is beautifully shot, the use of grading and filters is superb and adds much. Throughout the film the color grading and shots are really really nice and the overall sense that this was lovingly made shines through.

Miss Nobody is one my favorite comedies about work since Office Space. Though much more like Amelie than an out and out satire, this tale of the secretary who almost innocently murders her way to the top of the corporate ladder is actually engaging and fun.
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7/10
"I always have sex with my secretary"
LeonLouisRicci15 November 2012
A very good looking movie that has a fluffy charm, considering its subject matter, that keeps it from becoming a real "black" comedy. It is more like a throwback to an earlier time of whimsical romps with a touch of more cynical modern sensibilities.

The casting is dead-on and the Miss Nobody is cute as punch and the actress does a great job in this entertaining and fun story. There is a nice twist and the only weakness is the ending that could be much more in tune with the style that preceded.

The film is a successful attempt and it is not very witty or deep, but can be enjoyed as a better than average entry into the now in vogue Premium Cable quirkiness that is always fun in its inoffensive and a bit edgy satire.
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6/10
offbeat comedy
wrigco22 September 2023
This is a quirky and enjoyable enough movie, but entirely forgettable.

Leslie Bibb, inspired by her Guardian angel, Saint George bumps off a collection of her colleagues in various inspired "accidents". She seems to become increasingly creative and eager with her exploits as the film gallops along. Also, where did her super strength come from, Supergirl has nothing on her, slinging dead bodies around like paper mache. Hilarious.

I loved Barry Bostwick as the priest and other supporting characters were also great.

She gets her just deserts in the end, just as she's about to swan off into the sunset. A pity in a' way.
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6/10
a maliscious dreamscenario to reach the top
ops-5253519 August 2019
This was a dark comedy to say the least, not so hilarious, but some humble laughs it tickeled out of me.

its a film about a woman stiving to reach the top in her company, and her secret aim is to become rich and to find the love of her life. via various ways of coincidence she reaches her goal, if its deserved, well watch and see....

this is a film with extreme lots of locations and settings, and the editor and sound department has done a great job gluing together this piece of filmatic bravour. though its not perfect, it has a good float all the way through, and the main actress does a fine job. the narrative told by the main character can feel a bit cringy at times and there are some attempts to blow up some visual effects, but here the conclusion is a miss. the score though are of the vivid kind that makes you occupied and make you feel the mood f the motion through the sound of music.

the grumpy old man gives a 6 which for me means over average, and better than mediocre, and works like pelifix in the kindergarten, it keeps you glued to the screen all the way to the end. its just a recommend and so is it.
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9/10
dark comedy fun
cekadah24 October 2012
frankly i am unfamiliar with the actors in this richly produced 'murder to laugh at' comedy. the laughs are deliciously off color and the (for me) unexpected twist in the plot had me wanting to watch the whole movie again right away!

a full cast of wacky and maybe a bit sick characters walk through this story and will keep you wondering 'who's next?' and what will our lead character do with them.

this movie is sweetly bitter and in that is the charm to a good one and one half hours of fun entertainment. this might not be the type of comedy some people find funny but then, they don't know what they are missing!

ps - the mother is my favorite character!
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8/10
If you took the classic film "How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying" and had it rewritten by a serial killer!
planktonrules8 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"Miss Nobody" is a funny but very dark comedy. I am pretty sure it's a bit too dark for all tastes, but I liked the film's sick and twisted sense of humor. Additionally, the film seems to be strongly inspired by the wonderful musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying"...if it was written by a serial killer!

The film begins with cute Sarah (Leslie Bibb) applying for an executive job at her company. Sure, she fudged a lot of her resume, but you're pulling for the young lady because she's just so nice and spunky. However, her new job is very short-lived, as at the last second the job is given to another--and now he is Sarah's new boss. To make matters worse, he's a real jerk. When he tries to sexually assault poor Sarah, he falls and is accidentally impaled. Sarahs is not only saved but now she is given the job she had been offered.

Soon, Sarah is making a very good impression as an exec. However, inexplicably, one of her tough-as-nails coworkers announces that she KNOWS Sarah murdered her boss. Well, once again, this bad person dies accidentally.

Normal folks would assume this is all random chance. However, Sarah's convinced herself that this is all the work of her guardian angel...and that it would be okay if she sometimes helped him when people really deserved it. So, soon she's out helping the angel...and killing her way to the top of the company! Can she manage to avoid detection and live happily ever after?

As I mentioned above, I thought the film was very funny but with all the killing and mayhem, it might put off some sensitive viewers. Additionally, the film has a few unnecessary scenes that make it a rated R film--which is inexplicable. It easily could have been PG-13 and why they had to have one or two brief scenes with nudity and language, I have no idea. Well worth seeing and rather sick.
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Cute but dark comedy
vchimpanzee6 June 2021
Leslie Bibb is so adorable, how could she possibly have done all the things we think she did? Surely they are all accidents. And yet eventually, even if she did do what she might have done (there is evidence she didn't in at least some of the cases), we want her to succeed, whatever it takes. She does really well with her narration, even breaking the fourth wall and narrating right there in front of everyone. And there's a really funny conversation with lots of brief replies that sort of reminds me of "Who's on First", but not nearly that funny. It's just so well done. I think she's talking with Det. Malloy.

Missy Pyle is the standout actress here. We know she's not squeaky clean and yet we don't mind her being a bad girl. Not that she actually does anything, but she offers quite a contrast to the sweet innocent Sarah Jane.

Kathy Baker also offers a contrast to her proper and obedient daughter. While she's not on much, we can see it's no wonder Sarah Jane turned out the way she did. If in fact Sarah Jane started actually causing these "accidents".

I'm not that familiar with Brandon Routh but I have seen him in crossover events involving his character in a recent TV series. I plan to start watching that series, as I have numerous episodes recorded. Here, he seems like such a nice guy and even if I haven't seen him in the role, he makes me think not only of Superman but also Christopher Reeve. Of course, he's not that nice and this is why he isn't around long.

Vivica Fox also has a brief role and does it really well, So nice, and yet so mean in the same scene.

Adam Goldberg seems to lack confidence, which is unusual for him. This may be beneficial as he is investigating what could be murders. And while he doesn't seem all that smart, he does keep noticing certain details.

There is plenty of physical humor with Mr. Ketchum, a senile old man who is the boarder at the house where Sarah Jane lives with her mother.

And there is even more physical comedy involving a dead body that has to be moved. You won't believe where! And so many obstacles getting that body there.

You really have to get over the idea of characters being morally upright here. Just enjoy watching all the bad guys (and girls) die one at a time. Don't even worry about whether any of these incidents are accidents or who is actually causing them if they aren't.

Is this family friendly? I suppose a movie like this could be. But aside from the bad words that I apparently didn't hear, Sarah Jane's mom wants her to dress sexy for work. A really short dress, which the mom calls an "automatic erection". That gives you some idea.

At one point things get really dark, and I don't mean dark in a funny way. But the ending may satisfy. Some people will want that ending, anyway.

I had a good time, mostly.
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