Review of Office Christmas Party (2016) by Johnny T — 20 Dec 2016

Saved from unfunny oblivion by its cast. There are plenty of laughs to be had but without the clear skill and timing of these actors, none of the material would work. McKinnon, Aniston and Jillian Bell's smiley pimp run away with the show, and as the party wears on, it becomes increasingly, thrillingly surreal. It's no Trading Places or Home Alone in terms of quality, but there is stuff for the grinch and gooey-eyed alike under this tree. Yes, this is pretty much what you expect it will be: a clumsily written lark that strains for gross-out gags. But it also manages to keep the audience laughing, simply because the cast is up for it. It's a film destined for iTunes rental status, but kept from flatlining with a pretty dependable string of stupid yet funny one-liners, and a nice turn from TJ Miller as Aniston's slacker brother. Office Christmas Party has just enough laughs to nudge a positive recommendation. Jillian Bell is hilarious. She steals the show from the all-star cast of comedy veterans. Office Christmas Party is a naughty Xmas comedy stuffed with enough ho-ho-hos and ha-ha-has to corrupt this holiday season. Office Christmas Party veers into the ridiculous, but with a cast of likeable and quirky characters the wackiness works, without dazzling. It's even manages a hint of feel-good. Office Christmas Party might not become an annual viewing tradition, but it's enjoyable enough for those seeking a raunchier holiday treat.

VERDICT: "In The Zone" - [Mixed Reaction] These kinds of movies are usually movies that had some good things, but some bad things kept it from being amazing. This rating says buy an ex-rental or a cheap price of the DVD to own. If you consider cinema, ask for people's opinion on the film. (Films that are rated 2.5 or 3 stars).