Off-kilter American comedies that aspire to avoid the Hollywood template are to be welcomed with open arms.

The trouble with this one is that, after giving it the run of your house, it outstays its welcome and you rather wish it would go away.

It's a shame because the promising start is choc-full of good characters, snappy gags and a premise pregnant with comedy potential.

Medical supply worker John (Lee) and his long-time girlfriend Elaine (Mann) have reached their goal of saving $30,000 for a down payment on a dream home.

The trouble is that he's forgotten his vow to the daughter of his sister Patty (Mullally), who he describes as a "free spirit..or sexually indiscriminate trailer trash".

Niece Noreen (Tammy Blanchard) has miraculously landed a place at Harvard... and reminds John that he once promised to pay her fees.

It's all looking good - Lee has a winning dim-wittedness about him, Mullally is a terrific strumpet and Mann's air makes the Stepford Wives appear normal.

Then we are introduced to John's buddy, Duff (Green), the slacker loser who he has recruited to help him find the dosh.

It's here the rot sets in. MTV star Green - a tedious hybrid of Scooby-Doo's Shaggy and Syd Little - is about as funny as a UN weapons inspection.

And it's his debilitating presence that brings a hitherto high-flying narrative down to earth with a bump.

If you're going to be zany then don't try too hard...and you can almost see the sweat coursing off the cast as they labour at their task.

OK, there's still excellent dialogue popping up and decent performances... but you rather feel the moment has been lost.

Tim Evans