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Christmas movies have evolved from a limited subset of films into a genre unto themselves, with dozens of new entries every year. But a curious hallmark — yes, pun intended — of the films is their lack of intricacy. As far as I can tell, these films are designed more to pass time than to challenge; the genre itself is designed to be watched in bits and pieces, perhaps between holiday preparation or while dozing on and off, festooned in blankets.

Christmas movies, in short, are supposed to be kinda boring.

At least I hope that was the intention of “Candy Cane Lane.” Otherwise, they just made sort of a dull movie.

Chris (Eddie Murphy) and Carol Carver (Tracee Ellis Ross) are warm-hearted but temporarily down-on-their-luck parents, shepherding a trio of impossibly positive children through adolescence. The family has an affinity for all things yule, and they live in the right place: The titular Candy Cane Lane, a California thoroughfare where each house competes to create the most over-the-top Christmas display.

This year, there’s a big cash prize available — and Chris, who has just been laid off, needs it. Desperate to win, he cuts a deal with a suspiciously manipulative storekeeper, Pepper (Jillian Bell). Pepper turns out to be a disgruntled elf determined to put everyone on the naughty list — and if Chris doesn’t jump through her hoops, she will turn him into a living Christmas ornament.

So it’s high-concept, at least.

Anyone looking for comedy gold from Murphy will be disappointed; the icon plays it disappointingly straight, firmly in his cashing-a-paycheck mode. There are some scattered laughs thanks to a loaded cast — in addition to Bell, an underappreciated star, smaller roles are filled by the likes of Nick Offerman, Chris Redd, Ken Marino and Timothy Simons. (Another comedy legend also turns up in a sleigh at the end of the film.)

Other than scattered laughs and some wacky set pieces, though, there aren’t many presents under this tree. The fate of “Candy Cane Lane” seems clear: When you fire up Prime Video this holiday season, perhaps nursing a full belly from your seasonal feast, you’ll choose some other Christmas movie that you actually love. Then, when that film ends, you’ll lazily select “Candy Cane Lane” to play next.

Then you’ll all fall asleep.

My Rating: 4/10

“Candy Cane Lane” is now streaming on Prime Video.