Bill Murray. Chevy Chase. Eddie Murphy. Bill Hader. Kristen Wiig. Adam Sandler. Mike Myers. Tina Fey. Will Ferrell. Just a few of the names that share one thing in common: they’ve all come through the institution known as Saturday Night Live and gone on to become huge stars.

Such is the power of the weekly live sketch show, that’s been churning out talent on a regular basis since 1975. So to say it can be a springboard to better things is an understatement.

Three of its latest members, Ben Marshall, John Higgins and Martin Herlihy, collectively known as comedy troupe Please Don’t Destroy, have made their first step outside of the show, with their first foray into film.

Having been friends since school, John (Higgins), Ben (Marshall) and Martin (Herlihy) find themselves now working together at Trout Plus, a store that focuses on outdoor pursuits, owned by Ben’s dad Farley (Conan O’Brien).

But they are far from living the dream, with all of them hoping for more. As children they discovered an antique compass on one of their adventures, which they have long since forgotten about. Little do they know that it is in fact a key to finding a lost treasure, worth a fortune, that could change all their lives forever.

But after viewing a TikTok video, featuring their compass, they realise that riches beyond their imagination are now within their grasp. All they have to do is venture into Foggy Mountain State Park and retrieve it. But can it be that easy?

Considering the phenomenal success of previous SNL alumni, breaking away from the show for the first time must come with its own pressure. And their debut is certainly watchable, but far from being an instant classic.

And when you take on board their SNL background, the film is disappointingly safe. This may well be part of their shtick as a troupe, but you won’t necessarily know that unless you’re familiar with their SNL appearances, which most outside of the US won’t be. But as a standalone entity, it’s weak.

It wants to be a throwback to eighties teen comedies, featuring a concept that owes a lot to Stand by Me from 1986. And although the trio have chemistry on screen and are quietly engaging, it struggles to find that comedic groove where the laughs keep on coming. It manages a wry smile or two, but no more than that.

It’s too early to say if this troupe, or any of its members, manage to catapult their careers into the same comic-sphere as many of the show’s previous stars, but on this evidence alone, don’t hold your breath.