Waiting...

Waiting... is a 2005 American comedy film directed by Rob McKittrick and written by McKittrick and Noah Hawley. The film is set in an upscale casual dining restaurant called Shenanigan's, a fictional restaurant chain modeled after Bennett's and similar establishments. The movie follows the story of several employees working at Shenanigan's, each with their own unique personalities, quirks, and motivations. The movie takes place over the course of one night, with the employees counting down the hours until the end of their shift and the start of their weekend. The cast of characters includes a diverse group of young adults, each with their own story to tell. There's Dean (Justin Long), the witty and charming leader of the group, who has been tasked with training a new employee, Montana (Linda Cardellini). Dean is struggling to find his place in the world and is eager to move on from his waitressing job. Montana, on the other hand, is a wealthy student who is spending her summer working at Shenanigan's as a way to fulfill her community service requirements. She's hesitant to take her job seriously and often clashes with Dean, who sees her as a privileged outsider. The two develop a complex and often contentious relationship throughout the movie. The employees at Shenanigan's spend their evening engaged in various forms of internal conflict and petty power struggles. There's Nathan (Ryan Hansen), a bumbling and awkward new hire who is unlikely to succeed as a waiter. Then there's Gina (Ali Larter), a charming and flirtatious waitress who is eager to advance her career. Rounding out the group is Captain (John Cho), a shy and sensitive young man who is trying to make a name for himself as a waiter. As the night wears on, the employees begin to let loose and exhibit their true personalities. The group shares stories, jokes, and secrets, forming a sense of camaraderie and community among themselves. However, their antics are consistently disrupted by the demands of their boorish customers and the constant meddling of their managers. Throughout the movie, McKittrick explores the themes of boredom, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in one's life. The employees at Shenanigan's are engaged in a Sisyphean struggle to find purpose and fulfillment in their mundane work environment. Despite their best efforts, they face countless challenges and obstacles, from difficult customers to grueling shifts and physical exhaustion. As the night draws to a close, the employees at Shenanigan's finally begin to find their footing and assert themselves against their demanding customers and nosy managers. They employ creative and humorous forms of revenge, from clever manipulation of the restaurant's phone system to elaborate pranks on their colleagues. The climax of the movie takes place in the final hour of the shift, as the employees engage in an escalating game of one-upmanship and revenge tactics. The prank wars escalate into chaos, with the Shenanigan's crew doing their best to outdo each other and assert their dominance over their customers and managers. Ultimately, Waiting... is a lively and engaging comedy that explores the stresses and frustrations of working in the service industry. The film features a talented ensemble cast, memorable characters, and a witty script that critiques the conventions of workplace humor. With its clever observations on the human condition and its lighthearted and entertaining plot, Waiting... is a movie that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt trapped in a dead-end job or struggled to find their place in the world.