★★ out of 5
rated R
released 12-8-2016, 105 minutes, Paramount Pictures
directed: will speck, josh gordon
written: jon lucas, scott moore, timothy dowling
starring: jason bateman, olivia munn, tj miller, jillian bell, courtney b vance, rob corddry, kate mckinnon, jennifer aniston
Office Christmas party wants to be an ensemble comedy with layers and multiple stories or themes, that all come together as you become engaged with each character in this ludicriss situation. This film fails on many different levels, and while it is not awful, it is best left to viewing at home where it will soon be available. There is little character development, so you can't ever engage with the characters, and everything in this film hinges on the intended hilarity of the party situation, that of course gets out of hand. These characters all think they are loosing their jobs, they have no reason to party, and where did all the other people come from? There just seems to be little rhyme or reason to anything. So, if you can get past the fact that there is very little story here, and you like this group of actors then this mindless drivel can be an escape for a bit over an hour and a half. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.