This is Where I Leave You is a film that totally rides its very specific genera – “estranged extended family reunites under one roof for a period of time, drives each other crazy, and then caves in to a superficial reconciliation”. This type of film seems to be endlessly fascinating (or at least diverting) to audiences, and has been done a million times to prove it. Even though the comedic writing is somewhat tired and uneven, This is Where I Leave You is a decently entertaining, if not terribly memorable, film.

The main (perhaps only) reason this film holds together is Jason Bateman. He might not quite be one of those actors that you can plunk down in the middle of a turd and expect him to elevate it all by himself, but he is close to being that kind of actor. He’s very fun to watch, and has a persona that viewers bond with easily; these traits distract the viewer from other shortcomings, and make his fellow cast members seem better than they actually are. Bateman basically elevates This is Where I Leave You all by himself, which is pretty remarkable given the horrifying cast of supporting players he was saddled with – Tina Fey (who I’m starting to loathe), the endlessly revolting Adam Driver, and an affected and very weird-looking Jane Fonda decked out with watermelon tits. The extremely talented Katherine Hahn has almost nothing to do in a glorified bit role, while Rose Byrne is given just enough room to show how charming she can be on-screen, but not enough for her character to make any significant impression.

If you like “family reunion” movies, you’ll probably enjoy This is Where I Leave You to some extent. Just don’t expect too much.