Working Girl (1988)

Griffith's radiant, tenacious performance as Tess makes the film sparkle as a compassionate working-girl Cinderella story. Nichols' direction and Wade's screenplay deliver witty dialogue and warmth without condescension.

The critic praises this appealing executive-suite comedy where Melanie Griffith climbs the corporate ladder by outsmarting her boss Sigourney Weaver. They single out the easy-going treat in Mike Nichols's assured hands and the soundtrack featuring Carly Simon's song.

The critic praises the film as a timeless example of subversive female-led romantic comedy centered on workplace ambition and solidarity among women. They single out the smart script's handling of class, gender, and harassment dynamics along with strong performances from Griffith, Weaver, and Cusack, plus the masterfully constructed ending.

The critic calls it a treat, highlighting the witty screenplay on class differences and the funny interactions between the female leads, especially Joan Cusack.

The critic finds it an upbeat urban fairy tale of an oppressed secretary rising to the boardroom, praising Melanie Griffith's delightful performance as the aspirational heroine. They highlight the adroit plotting, Mike Nichols' attention to amusing details, and entertaining quality overall.

The piece contrasts Working Girl with 9 to 5, noting its shift from socialist sisterhood to neoliberal individualism and class focus. It praises Tess's self-made moxie and commitment to cheating the system for her own ends, while critiquing the politics of advancing by tearing down another woman.

The film is a clever, suspenseful entertainment with clockwork plotting and strong performances, especially from Melanie Griffith. Nichols returns to top form with a screenplay that balances laughs and thriller elements.

The review finds the film enjoyable mainly due to Melanie Griffith's scrappy, sexy and unpredictable performance as she rises from secretary to Wall Street whiz. It highlights her tenacity against obstacles and the consistent lighthearted tone, driven especially by her innocent, breathy voice.

The critic calls Working Girl so much fun, praising its clear good guys/bad guys setup and rooting interest in heroine Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith), a Staten Island woman fighting for her ideas in Manhattan. It highlights the strong supporting turns, especially Joan Cusack, the Cinderella-like transformation and romance, and the film's exploration of class, resourcefulness, and accepting one's place.

The film is a smarter and darker take on 1980s corporate ambition than it is often given credit for, with its deft handling of feminist issues making it the female equivalent of Wall Street. It features strong performances from Sigourney Weaver and Melanie Griffith, but ultimately delivers a bleak political statement dressed up as romance.