Well... even as the above review is inspired by a true film, it is somewhat technically contradictory. See: as the author is trying to convince thy reader, that makers of this film tried to self-consciously overstate its importance, he, himself, seems to be desperately trying to overstate importance of his own opinion - and that reads in every second phrase of it...
I do like playing with words, myself - however, not just for the sake of playing.
If one believes, that follower to "Goodfellas" (by way of "Casino") is not something deserving a good look, well, then maybe you've got to watch "Goodfellas" again, and then ask yourself - what is so sickly good about it, that you can't find exit outta there?
I just watched "Middle Men" - not a gem, in many ways - however, a great entertainment, and a thinking one, at that. Had quite a few good (even if sad) laughs, and some good (not in moral sense, rather) thoughts; to sum up, if you liked "Burn after reading", you don't want to miss this one.
As to being derivative and distasteful, that mostly relates to the above review(er?) opinion, rather than the film itself; just go and watch for yourself - please, disregard the fact, that it's not a cash register breaker - or, even opposite, take a note of that: see, "general" person usually does not like looking at him/her self in the mirror (read above review for one sample) - but then, it's not about liking or not what you see, but rather about seeing (or not) the truth. Can You face it?