It’s incredible to think that it took six screenwriters to pen Office Christmas Party. The concept of an office Christmas party gone awry is grounds for any number of hilarious stories, especially when saddled with some of the most talented comedic actors (namely, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, TJ Miller, Jillian Bell, Kate McKinnon and Vanessa Bayer) to tell them. Unfortunately, the film Office Christmas Party comes across as a badly drawn SNL sketch, complete with one dimensional characters and a forgettable finished product.

Miller portrays the not-too-bright head of the Chicago branch of a tech company, a branch that his CEO sister (Aniston) is threatening to shut down if they fail to land high powered client Walter Davis (Courtney B. Vance, giving it his all in a thankless role). In a bid to woo Davis, office execs (played by Miller, Bateman and Olivia Munn) throw an alcohol-fuelled shindig that rapidly (and predictably) goes wild.

The key problem with the film is that it assembles a game all-star cast but gives them little to do but go through the motions. From the first moment Munn and Bateman make moon eyes at each other, it’s easy to see where their storyline will end up. Brother and sister Miller and Aniston squibbling with each other right before Christmas? Well you can guess how that’ll turn out. All would be somewhat forgiven if the film were funny or even the slightest bit of fun, but it misses the mark in those regards as well. Not even reliable scene stealers McKinnon and Bell can save this easily forgettable party.

[star v=2]