Friendsgiving

While some characters on the ever-escalating guest list provide... welcome comic distraction, this day-to-night hangout pic doesn't really take flight.

Heavier on high spirits than actual humor, this undemanding, Ben Stiller-produced film settles for sitcom-level catharsis and lessons learned.

The ensemble cast... carries the film at every turn. These delightful performances prevent the film's antics from being dizzying and overwrought.

A quartet of funny performances - Malin Akerman, Kat Dennings, Jack Donnelly and San Francisco native Aisha Tyler - make it worthwhile, but you can't help but wish it was seasoned with more wit.

An old formula and despite some winning performances -- many from the stand-up comics who migrated down from the Comedy Store -- it feels as stale as Thanksgiving's left-over stuffing.

Instead of the light and fluffy comedy I was thinking I was in for I got a mess. A story which skipped from one thing to the next without doing anything right. Or even close to right.

Unfortunately, the only laughter heard during "Friendsgiving" are from the cast in the outtakes over the closing credits. At least somebody had fun.

An overcooked turkey.

The borderline unbearable and distressingly unfunny star-studded comedy [Friendsgiving] might make anyone unfortunate enough to see it prefer their alone time.

FRIENDSGIVING is the Boston Market version of holiday cheers.