Might I suggest - or rather beg - that we declare a ban on films with Christmas in the title?

If Surviving Christmas wasn't bad enough, we also have to endure this shamelessly sentimental, lacklustre comedy that squanders the talents of its two lead stars.

Could this be part of a Hollywood conspiracy to wreck the festive season this year?

When their daughter Blair (Gonzalo) leaves for Peru to serve in the Peace Corps, Luther Krank (Allen) and his wife Nora (Curtis) face the depressing prospect of their first Christmas alone.

Tired of rain and the routine in his native Chicago, Luther has a radical idea: to abandon Christmas entirely and embark on a ten-day Caribbean cruise instead.

Last year, the couple spent over $6,000 on Yuletide festivities. The cruise costs half that - they would even be saving money!

Nora is initially reluctant to go away for the holidays, especially since Christmas is her favourite time of year: hosting her famed annual Christmas Eve party, decorating the house, cooking for friends and family.

However, she gradually warms to the idea and the Kranks prepare for sun, sea and relaxation.

When their neighbours in close-knit Hemlock Street discover Luther and Nora's covert plans, they are aghast.

None more so than local busybody Vic Frohmeyer (Akroyd) who co-ordinates decorations along the street.

Vic does everything within his powers to instil the Christmas spirit in the Kranks, calling in favours with local police officers Salino (Marin) and Treen (Busey).

Nothing seems to work - the Kranks keep out of sight, even hiding from well-wishers.

Then, without warning, Blair telephones to say that she is coming home for Christmas after all... with a special someone in tow.

Based on the novel Skipping Christmas by John Grisham, Christmas With The Kranks is a madcap ensemble comedy that frequently falls as flat as unsuspecting carol singers on an icy path.

Allen and Curtis work tirelessly to bring sparkle to the workmanlike script but they are fighting a losing battle.

Supporting characters are two-dimensional and writer Chris Columbus strikes a queasy balance between laughter and tears, clumsily introducing a cancer subplot to milk the tears in the final frames.

Director Joe Roth drapes every scene in copious emotional tinsel and good cheer, festooning the soundtrack with the likes of "Frosty The Snowman" and "Jingle Bell Rock".