Considering the comedic talent and premise, this should be a winner. Unfortunately, for me at least, the script just isn't funny enough, and the actors just can't quite save it despite clearly trying. There are funny parts for sure, but nothing is more frustrating to me than watching a scene in a comedy that is supposed to be funny, but no one laughs. This has several instances like that.

5/10

This is a miss but not entirely. There is a decent story but the execution is just flawed and the screenplay doesn't give chance for any actor to shine. Its still engaging in parts but the funny scenes are just too few. Aniston's character was never explored, Bateman's character has no redeeming qualities. Munn is not even given the chance to be eye-candy. McKinnon gets a few chuckles but she is not LOL funny here.

4/10

Definitely has some laughs (and Kate McKinnon continues to be a national treasure), but it's the kind of movie that was tailor made to show up on TBS in 5 years. C+

Nothing special. A few laughs, but the cast has done far better before.

C+

What a joyless, humorless, pointless, directionless movie. The art of the ensemble comedy is so difficult to get right. Office Christmas Party should be Exhibit A for how not to do an ensemble. Each actor is clearly given their little moments to "shine", including a ton of obvious improvisation that rarely, if ever, works.

The cast is a set of mostly-terrific actors but proves that none of them can save a trainwreck. I'll watch Jason Bateman in anything, but he clearly has no idea what to do with a leading role that is just a mish-mash of all his other, better leads (Horrible Bosses, Arrested Development). Olivia Munn is fine, Kate McKinnon does her best, Courtney B. Vance does his thing. Probably the most surprisingly subdued (until halfway through) performance is TJ Miller. He does well in one of his first major film roles. Jennifer Aniston is completely wasted and continues her run of extended cameo roles in comedies.

In the end, the movie is just a loud, unfunny waste of time and talent. For a better anti-Christmas experience, go for Bad Santa. If you want a Christmas movie that is just a way to spend two hours without your brain, go for any of the Hallmark Christmas flicks.

Grade: D