Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities is a 1991 comedy-drama movie directed by Bryan Gordon and written by John Hughes.

The movie follows Jim Dodge (Frank Whaley), an ambitious young man living in a small town who dreams of leaving everything behind to start a new life in the big city. Jim takes a job as a night janitor at the local Target store, and soon finds himself trapped inside the store with Josie McClellan (Jennifer Connelly), the daughter of the town's wealthiest family, who has also been looking for a way out of her privileged life.

As the two spend the night exploring the store, Jim and Josie begin to learn more about each other, and their differences become apparent. While Jim is desperate to break away from his dull and mundane life, Josie is unsure of what she wants, feeling trapped by her family's expectations and her own insecurities.

As the night goes on, Jim and Josie share their dreams and ambitions, and as they do, they begin to realize that they might have more in common than they initially thought. Together, they hatch a plan to leave the store and start a new life together, but as the morning approaches, they are forced to confront the realities of their situation.

Career Opportunities is an entertaining and heartwarming movie that explores themes of ambition, class, and personal identity. Frank Whaley delivers a charming and engaging performance as Jim, the endearing dreamer who is still searching for his place in the world. Jennifer Connelly is captivating as Josie, the complex and conflicted heiress who is grappling with her own sense of purpose and belonging.

The supporting cast is also exceptional, with Dermot Mulroney playing Josie's arrogant and entitled ex-boyfriend who is desperate to win her back, and Kieran Mulroney as Bud, Jim's best friend who is always there to lend a helping hand.

One of the movie's biggest strengths is its attention to detail. The Target store setting is a perfect backdrop for the story, and the movie takes full advantage of the location, using every inch of the store to convey the characters' emotions and thoughts.

The movie also features a great soundtrack, with memorable songs by prominent artists of the time such as The Replacements and The Clash. The sound design is notably good, with scenes inside the store's closed-off areas becoming eerily silent.

Overall, Career Opportunities is a charming and uplifting movie that explores some of life's biggest questions. The chemistry between Whaley and Connelly is organic and palpable, and the movie's themes of personal growth and self-discovery are sure to resonate viewers of all ages.