The “Office Christmas Party,” which was released on Dec. 9 and directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, is movie about a wildly inappropriate and very naughty Christmas party. The movie is about the CEO of Zenotek attempting to shut down her brother’s branch of the company in Chicago. Without landing a huge deal it appears the branch will be shut down, and this ignites the Christmas party of all Christmas parties.
“Office Christmas Party” stars some of the biggest names in show business right now, such as TJ Miller, Jennifer Anniston, Jason Bateman, Kate McKinnon, Olivia Munn, Courtney B. Vance, and Jillian Bell. The only reason it had some hilarious moments is because of the sheer quantity of comedic actors and actresses.
Clay Vanstone, played by TJ Miller, is the Branch Manager of Zenotek in Chicago and is determined to save his employees jobs and his branch. Unfortunately for him, his sister (The CEO) is single-mindedly focused on shutting down her brother’s branch and firing all his employees because of a childhood rivalry. With countless wild antics and excessively stupid behavior, he somehow manages to be successful, but only because of the help of Carol, Josh, Tracey, and Mary.
Carol Vanstone, played by Jennifer Anniston, is the CEO of Zenotek and evidently still was holding a grudge from the love, attention, and money that her deceased father blessed Clay with growing up. Viewing him as an entitled party boy she was determined to close his branch leaving him as the failed sibling.
Josh Parker, played by Jason Bateman, is essentially the glue that holds this whole disastrous party together. His character is the level-headed, (secretly in love with Tracey Hughes), typical “Good Guy.” He is determined to help his friend and boss Clay out and is the voice of reason within this “Project X” style Christmas party.
Tracey Hughes, played by Olivia Munn, is the epically smart employee of Zenotek who is the love interest of Josh Parker and is a large part of saving the day.
Mary, played by Kate McKinnon, is the head of HR and a very nervous individual before and during this fiasco. She eventually loosens up a little. She provides some of the most hilarious commentary in the movie.
Walter Davis, played by Courtney B. Vance, is the client whose business deal could save the Chicago Branch of Zenotek. The wild Christmas party was thrown to impress this character who ends up having a great time (…until someone gets hurt).
Trina, played by Jillian Bell, is the “pimp” of an escort service. Her character takes this wild movie from just an insane Christmas party to a life-threatening situation filled with drugs, guns, big guys and prostitution.
Overall I would say this movie had a few super funny moments, but that’s about it. They essentially just strung shenanigan after shenanigan and it paid off a couple of times. In my opinion wait until it comes out on Redbox and then rent it. The movie received 5.8 out of 10 on IMDb and a 1 out of 4 from the Rolling Stone.