SYNOPSIS:
Clay (T.J. Miller), the branch manager of an IT company, is the cool guy who bends over backward to help his employees, all while having fun. When his uptight sister, Carol (Jennifer Aniston), the CEO of their company, threatens to close his branch, Clay decides to hold the most epic office Christmas party ever to woo a wealthy prospective client and save his branch.
REVIEW:
This was your standard story where everything goes to hell and the protagonist(s) has to perform a last-minute miracle to save the day. But it was unique enough that it was enjoyable to watch. I usually find T.J. Miller to be annoying, but he was entertaining in this film. The real protagonist of the story was Josh (Jason Bateman) and his subordinate, Tracey (Olivia Munn). Despite being a sort of co-branch manager, Josh is the one actually performing all the work while Clay just parties.
There are other characters that get some screen time, like the strict but odd H.R. rep (Kate McKinnon), the sweet mother/employee who keeps being harassed by her creepy coworkers (Vanessa Bayer), and the awkward nerd who has to hire a prostitute to impress his subordinates with his "hot girlfriend who totally exists" (Karan Soni). There are actually a lot of big names attached to this film; a lot of them Saturday Night Live alumni.
Just when you think things can't get any worse, the film finds a way to up the stakes. Several times, you think this office party is out of control and then something else happens that digs a deeper hole for the main cast to get themselves out of. As a member of the military, used to strict rules and following orders, seeing a civilian party that essentially trashes the entire office and nearly bankrupts a company was a bit shocking for me. I'd actually be surprised if people don't suffer legal repercussions for a lot of the destruction caused, like throwing various IT equipment through windows. The CEO is almost killed by a printer thrown out a window at one point! And yet nothing really comes of it.
I think the real hero of the film is the security lady, Carla (Da'Vine Joy Randolph). She takes her job seriously, choosing to guard the front door instead of attending the party. And when things start to get rough, Josh tells her this is her "John McClane moment" (from Die Hard) and she dual-wields tasers to reign in the crazier attendees and to prevent property theft. If anyone kept some semblance of order at that office party, it's Carla.
RECOMMENDATION:
This was an enjoyable film to watch. Definitely meant for adults. There is a ton of vulgar language and concepts, and even a few scenes of nudity, so put the kids to bed before you put this one on. But if you want some wild and crazy comedy action, this'll scratch that itch. I'd recommend it!
No comments:
Post a Comment