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Here's a look at the new movies I saw last week.

Horrible Bosses

Starring: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, and Colin Farrell

Synopsis: At some point in our lives, most people have had a boss, supervisor, or co-worker that made life difficult. It’s easy, in that situation, to imagine how much better life would be if those people weren’t there. That’s the idea behind “Horrible Bosses.” The writers take the basic premise and run wild with it, delivering a comedy that’s exceptionally funny at times and passable at others, generating an amusing film featuring a couple likeable central characters. This film has a certain charm and some interesting sequences. Bateman has long been a favorite at this kind of role, and he brings that to this role. He’s flanked by a couple other funny men, with Sudeikis playing a variation of the role he played in “Hall Pass” and Day, who perhaps shines the brightest in this film. On the other side, with a trio of name stars in the boss roles, you see a couple people playing well against type. Spacey — owner of two Academy Awards — is strong as the angry, self-absorbed and callous boss. Farrell doesn’t get a lot of screen time, but he makes the most of it with a wild character that he nails. Aniston also plays against type, making the most of her turn as a predatory supervisor in dentist’s clothing. Director Seth Gordon (“King of Kong,” “Four Christmases”) makes the most of his story and performers. This movie has plenty of funny sequences and amusing plot twists, as the story goes to a place you might not expect. The trio of screen writers — Michael Markowitz, John Francis Daley and Jonathan M. Goldstein — do a nice job of crafting the characters and the story. The individual set up monologues at the beginning was pretty funny and helps you dive right in. Of course, not all the stories are equally as interesting and amusing. Nick’s battle with his boss and the awkward work between Day and Aniston work the best. The sequences with the murder consultant played by Foxx — who is also sneaky funny in his role, thanks in part to a hilariously timed nickname — are also good. There are elements of Sudeikis’ character that aren’t as compelling, and there is not as much of a set-up between Kurt and Bobby. Overall, the film is amusing, enjoyable and makes the most of its cast and premise. It’s a good summer laugh during a season of uneven comedies.

Rating: R for crude and sexual content, pervasive language and some drug material. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

July 15 — "Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," "Winnie The Pooh"

July 22 — "Captain America: The First Avenger," "Friends With Benefits"

July 29 — "Cowboys and Aliens," "Crazy, Stupid Love," "The Smurfs"

August 5 — "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "The Change Up"

August 12 — "The Help," "30 Minutes or Less," "Final Destination 5," "Glee: The Concert Movie 3D"

August 19 — "Fright Night," "Conan The Barbarian," "One Day," "Spy Kids 4"

August 26 — "Our Idiot Brother," "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," "Columbiana"