You know this type, guys. A Christmas comedy film with a few big names to lure you to the cinema in the holiday season.
So what's the verdict? It's not good news, I'm afraid.
For the first 20 minutes or so of this 105 minute film I was thinking, 'this is actually ok... not brilliant, but enjoyable, light, Christmas fun...' Unfortunately it went pretty steadily down hill from there. The laughs became less frequent, the storyline became more and more stupid and it was all just a bit ho hum.
Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman star in it and I bloody love Jason Bateman so I was a bit sad to see him be in this dud. He does what he can with the ordinary script and is pleasant to watch as always (#childofthe80s) and Jennifer Aniston is good to but it ain't enough. Kate McKinnon, who comedy nerds like me will know from SNL stardom, is funny in this as the wowser HR lady but again, it just ain't enough.
Quick plot outline - a fun & funny guy running a family tech business is threatened to be shut down by his sister (Aniston) who is the CEO of the business. Operation Save The Business commences and craziness ensues. Bet you can't guess how it ends! (Spoiler alert - he does save the business & it's happy ever after with him and the sister... So surprising, huh?!)
This 1.5 star review on news.com.au is pretty brutal but I have to say I agree with it.
In cinemas now. Trailer here.