Neighbours and co-workers, Nick (Jack Black) and Tim (Ben Stiller), are the best of friends until Nick becomes obsessed by a hare-brained scheme to get-rich-quick.

His idea, "Vapoorize" - a spray in a can that will literally evaporate unwanted doggy doo – is initially ridiculed by Tim who turns down a 50% share of the profits.

But to Tim's dismay, Vapoorize becomes a worldwide success, making Nick an overnight billionaire.

It's not long before Tim's envy grows to epic proportions as he watches Nick unashamedly enjoy all the trappings of the rich and famous - a Whitehouse sized extension to his property, a carousel in the backyard and a flamboyantly fabulous pet stallion named Corky with a stable bigger than Tim's humble home.

With their friendship under serious threat, Tim turns to drink for solace but a drunken late night encounter with oddball drifter J-Man (beautifully played by the ever quirky Christopher Walken) sees the situation turn from bad to worse!

Surprisingly, this dark comedy lacks conviction despite the collaboration of award-winning director, Barry Levinson (Good Morning Vietnam, Wag The Dog), and three of Hollywood's hottest actors.

It's funny, just not quite as funny as it should be. Walken is hilarious but isn't given nearly enough screen time whilst Black and Stiller seem subdued.

This is certainly no cinematic classic but if you're a fan of offbeat comedies then Envy is worth a look.

Clare Ashcroft