Sisters is a decent candy comedy. However, the promising A-list cast certainly has a great pull factor, but will inevitably leave those who want some depth sorely disappointed. There are laughs in the film, so it will succeed for some people. But surely that's all a comedy needs to accomplish!, I hear you cry. Yes, to a certain degree, and No, to an even further degree. Why settle for mediocrity? Comedy is a severely underrated and under-appreciated form of storytelling with capabilities equal to, if not greater, than drama. coughShakespearecough

Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are two of the funniest women in Hollywood, and their great onscreen chemistry keeps this film from sinking. Much of the comedy in the film surrounds their banter, which works perfectly well. Unfortunately, it's cinematically dull. Once again, I bring this phenomenal video essay by the always reliable Tony Zhou to highlight a point.

Perhaps my own expectations are too high, because this film has a problem even more deep-rooted than it's frankly boring filmmaking: the script. Dramatic elements and plot devices are shoehorned into the film in an attempt to add depth to the characters. Neglect of a child, losing a childhood home, etcetera etcetera. All of these elements could have added dramatic depth to contrast with the comedic elements of the film, but jokes were clearly at the forefront of SNL writer Paula Pell's mind.

This brings forward a problem with contemporary American comedy: most of the people working on big-budget comedy films are ex-alumni of sketch shows, namely Saturday Night Live. What they don't seem to realise is that sketch comedy and film comedy are two different beasts altogether. The semi-improvised dialogue is numbing from it's constant use - in the bloopers for every modern American comedy there's a sequence of shots as the actor improvises quick and funny replies to another. In Sisters, it's John Cena coming up with silly phrases for his safe word, and Amy Poehler flirting with Ike Barinholtz. Improvisation is a wonderful comic tool, yet like anything, if it's overused, it becomes dragged out and loses it's punch.

Speaking of Cena and Barinholtz: they were the two stand-out supporting actors in the film. John Cena has had a remarkably smooth entrance into the comedy film world, providing the best parts of the disappointing Trainwreck. Ike Barinholtz, known for his dopey supporting roles, comes through playing a normal human being - a role he should strive for more. His character's relationship with Amy Poehler's provides some of the few real human moments in the film.

One of the few positives of the film is that it's balance of crass and vulgar humour with moments of warmth is well-done - perhaps too well done, since it makes it feel artificial. Okay, one of the few kinda positives. All in all, Sisters is little more than a party movie with a disappointing waste of potential.