Office Christmas Party
Image: Walter (Courtney B. Vance) and Clay Vanstone (T.J. Miller)
There’s an element of expectation that precedes watching a brand new holiday season film; with Christmas classics like Love Actually as much a festive tradition as the yearly family lunch. Unfortunately, this year’s cinematic offering falls short of joining the glory list.
The film’s plot centres on recently divorced Josh (Jason Bateman), who has the task of assisting his friend and boss Clay (T.J. Miller) throw a huge office party to impress a future client. Unless they manage to secure the client, Clay’s CEO and cold-hearted sister (Jennifer Anniston) threatens the closure of their branch of the company.
There’s moments of comedy gold, with T.J. Miller’s character delivering a bevy of so-funny-right-now pop culture references, and a mention has to be made of Jillian Bell, whose small but hilariously notable role as a Chicago pimp got the audience laughing.
However, the plot line falls short of believable, and montages of Christmas partying drag on for too long. If you’re after some light (and un-pc) laughs and a few clichéd romances, head along and check it out. If you’re too busy Christmas shopping? You won’t miss too much. (CW)
★★★
BY CHANTAL WALSH
