Review - Management

An off beat comedy about a assistant motel manger who falls for a corporate traveling saleswoman. The saleswoman trys to shake the head-over-heels motel manager, but despite her cold personality they begin developing a unique relationship. Slowly the two realize irregardless of their varying personalities, they both are seeking the same thing.


"Management" is a heartfelt and awkward comedy that is carried by Steve Zahn's subtly hilarious performance. Zahn is always a delight on screen but here, he delivers one of his more powerful and less zany portrayals as Mike Cranshaw a down-and-out assistant hotel manager. His character is wonderfully written by director Stephen Belber and Zahn's performance really does steal the film. The overall story and characters created by Belber combine to make a rich and playful comedy that entertained all the way through.

Although Steve Zahn hands down carries "Management" with his performance, the rest of the cast is also very good. Jennifer Aniston, who actually receives top billing over Zahn, performs wonderfully off Zahn's more awkward moments as Sue Claussen. Aniston is always great on screen and once again shows the knack for handling darker comedy. Her exchanges with Zahn are both engaging and memorable leaving the viewer truly attached to every moment they share. Their relationship on screen felt fresh and it was furthermore, nice to see a predictable love story take a few unexpected twists and turns.

The supporting cast is a joy to watch throughout "Management". Fred Ward delivers a steady and reserved performance as Mike's steadfast father Jerry Cranshaw. I have always loved Ward whether in his more campy roles or the serious, and here in "Management", character development between Mike and his father Jerry was compelling to say the least. In a smaller role, Margo Martindale delivers another solid performance as Mike's mother Trish. Woody Harrelson as always, delivers a hysterical performance as Sue's ex-boyfriend Jango and newcomer James Hiroyuki Liao delivered a notable performance as Mike's friend Al.

First time director Stephen Belber does a capable job presenting a routine opposites attract romantic comedy, but it is the film's off beat moments and performances that make "Management" so satisfying to watch. Belber wrote some hilarious situational comedic scenes that both Aniston and Zahn thrive in and ultimately make the characters that much more entertaining. "Management" overall is filled with tons of charm, some delightful performances and a story that tells a typical love story in a most uncommon fashion.