Take Two is a series from movie buffs Isabelle Curtis and Fritz Freudenberger to review entertainment options in the region. In honor of the late, great Dolly Parton, we picked the 1980 workplace comedy “9 to 5." This classic was directed by Colin Higgins, and stars Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton and Lily Tomlin. It is available to stream or rent online. 

Is: Parton’s tie-in songs have a pattern of becoming bigger than the films they were meant to promote. Think Whitney Houston’s cover of “I Will Always Love You,” or this film’s single, “9 to 5.” That being said, the namesake movie deserves its own praise. Following three female employees under the thumb of their incompetent, sexist boss (Dabney Coleman), a girl’s night out quickly devolves into a revenge scheme as our heroines turn the tables on their tormentor. 

This movie goes so far off the rails, I was slack-jawed. And I loved every minute of it. Admittedly, the narrative does drag and weaken in the middle (hence my lower-than-perfect score), but the shenanigans are propped up by the staggering chemistry between our leads. It’s hard to imagine this was Parton’s first acting gig, considering how easily she plays off Fonda and Tomlin. Coleman also deserves credit for being perfectly smarmy and a good sport, considering what the protagonists end up doing to him.  

The setting and costuming were another standout. Released at the dawn of the new decade, “9 to 5” feels like a time capsule of where the 1980s were headed. Big shoulder pads and big hair, galore. Plus, it’s chock full of charming technological relics. I was able to explain to my co-watcher (and fellow 21st-century baby) the gag behind a malfunctioning Xerox machine, but did resort to Google for the “dictaphone.” 

On that note, is it depressing that many workplace and societal abuses our female leads experience in an almost 50-year-old movie are still problems today? Yes. But let’s not linger on that. Let’s kick back and laugh. 

4 / 5 cups of ambition

Fritz: “9 to 5” started strong with a savvy critique of sexism, misogyny, and societal inequality. It was mostly overt while delivering its message, but sometimes deviously subtle. However, as the plot dragged on, it got lost, and I got bored. What began as biting social commentary turned to comedy bits that fell flat through what felt like cheap mishaps, misunderstandings, and slapstick antics. Save for a brilliant three-part dream sequence in the first act, the humor didn't resonate for me. Perhaps it's just not my taste, but I didn't find myself chuckling that often. 

The movie rediscovered its course somewhere in the third act when we got a dose of feel-good Hollywood magic and saw what the dream team could really do. It was satisfying from then on.

Despite the shortcomings, I rooted for the main team the whole time. I love Dolly Parton and the all-American, salt-of-the-earth earnest positivity she represents. She was the heart and soul of the film: a kind and competent friend, professional, and provocateur throughout. Jane Fonda was as charming as always, and Lily Tomlin played the savvy team lead with believable and relatable humanity. More so than the others, I felt Tomlin’s frustrations with the unfairness of the world. As Is said, the personification of that injustice, Dabney Coleman, really leaned into his role, which made it all the more fun.

Overall, I wouldn't steer anyone away from watching this movie, even if only for a cartoonish social studies lesson in equality.

3/5 cups of ambition