Jim Dodge, a 21-year-old dreamer, goes from job to job with no real direction in life. While his life appears to be the definition of dead-end, he routinely makes up intricate fantasies of adventure, chatting with the neighborhood kids who buy his lies completely. Being just fired from yet another job, Jim is hired at Target to work as the night cleanup boy. On his first night, he starts off well but soon enough he begins to procrastinate - skating around the store, watching television, etc. Soon enough though, Jim discovers he is not alone in the store, but with Josie McClellan, the town's rich girl, whose hiding out from her over-protective father. Bryan Gordon's Career Opportunities is a film very much in the John Hughes mold, exploring two young adults who are a little lost in life and seeking some direction. John and Josie couldn't be more different, as John is terrified of leaving the comforts of living with his parents while Josie feels imprisoned by her father. Career Opportunities certainly isn't on the same level as the upper-echelon of Hughes films but it still manages to be smart, resonant and a fun experience. I've always enjoyed Frank Whaley's schtick and he is in full force as the directionless Jim. A young (and stunning) Jennifer Connelly is certainly nice to look at but this film is really made by it's supporting cast. Wiliam Forsythe's Janitor, John Candy's store manager, and Dermont Mulroney's petty thief highlight an eclectic cast of strong character actors. While Bryan Gordon's Career Opportunities may not live up to the best Hughes films it's a playful experience that managers to be both emotionally resonant to the young adult age group and quite funny. 6.5/10
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June 2023
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