The Boss (3½ Stars)

Trailers can be funny. If it hasn't already been done, somebody needs to write a PhD on how to make a good trailer. The official trailer for "The Boss" not only contains jokes not included in the film, it also has a prime example of exaggeration. In the film Michelle Darnell, played by Melissa McCarthy, is said to be the 47th richest woman in America. In the trailer the same scene is shown, but the dialogue is edited to call her the richest woman in America. Is it more accurate to call that exaggeration or inflation?

In the film Michelle Darnell loses all her wealth after being convicted of insider trading. That's something I've never really understood. I know what it is, but I don't understand why it's illegal. It's something that I would do if I were rich enough and in a position to do it. From what I understand, it's not punished as harshly, if at all, in England as in America, so I probably wouldn't end up in prison like Michelle.

As a skilled entrepreneur Michelle soon sees an opportunity to get back into business. She decides to take over the amateur operations of girl scouts selling brownies and turn it into an international business empire. Is Michelle exploiting or aiding the girls? It's a bit of both. Michelle has a heart, but she's smart enough to keep her feelings under control when it comes to making money.

The film's humour comes from the depiction of girl scouts, traditionally innocent little good girls, being turned into an army of salesgirls, trained to eliminate the competition by any means necessary. I wouldn't go as far as to call the film a masterpiece, but it's enough to make anybody laugh. It's worth watching at least once.

Renault (Peter Dinklage) is Michelle Darnell's evil but tragic nemesis. He used to be her lover and business colleague when they were making their way up the corporate ladder. When she was promoted over his head he swore revenge on her. Men have such difficulty accepting that a woman is better.

The 16-year-old actress Eva Peterson looks up to Melissa McCarthy. She can only do that in the poster. Eva is 5'9" and Melissa is 5'2". In the film she stands out as the biggest and meanest girl scout, a role she plays admirably. I hope to see her in many future films.