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WORKING STIFF

The double entendre of the title notwithstanding, local filmmaker Greg Joyce’s first feature rises above its crudities (i.e., a character who must stand on his hands at the toilet because "it’s the only way I’ll hit the bowl") with wit, charm, and a playful subversiveness. Mild-mannered Gene (Sean Biggins) needs money fast, since he’s got to pay up on his South End condo or move back in with his parents, thus blowing whatever chance he might have with perky co-worker Margaret (Maia Tamanakis). At the computer corporation where he works making industrial videos, his boss, Mike (John P. Arnold), offers him a bonus if he’ll put in overtime. But when sleazy Mike reneges, an angry and desperate Gene decides to make the money by filming an "adult video" after hours at the office, using the same cast and crew who’re being employed for a spot on workplace sexual harassment — but without the costumes. This variation on Night Shift deftly lampoons feminists and macho shitheads alike while retaining throughout a genial good nature (Biggins shines as a kind of Irish Jerry Seinfeld). Maybe too genial — despite the coarseness, Stiff goes a little limp at the climax.

BY PETER KEOUGH

Issue Date: September 19 - 26, 2002
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