The horror stories about what may be going on in the kitchens of American restaurants have long been the basis for urban legends. Whether it be recycled food or the “special sauce,” people have always feared tampering with their food. As is the lesson with the film “Waiting…,” the cardinal rule is “don’t f**k with people who handle your food.”

Justin Long leads an eclectic cast of Hollywood front-liners (Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris) and sleeper stars (Chi McBride, Luis Guzman) who work at Shenanigans, a pseudo Chili’s/TGI Friday’s, and get through the daily grind by verbally, physically and sexually harassing each other – all in good spirit, of course.

Their “shenanigans,” however, are anything but – the main game among the staff involves trying to get others to look at their exposed genitalia, with degrees of difficulty deciding how much of a punishment the lookers receive.

Despite this lewd tradition, “Waiting …” is surprisingly subdued; although it may have seemed to be nonstop slapstick in the previews, the film embodies a cynical and character-driven attitude that can only be described as a Kevin Smith look-alike.

Also modeled after Kevin Smith’s eccentric yet familiar approach is that almost the entire film unfolds within the confines of the restaurant. The movie has many theatrical qualities, with the restaurant providing a constant backdrop. It also helps show an ironic split-faced quality to the employees, as their attitudes shift dramatically from kitchen to dining room.

Without a doubt, it is Luis Guzman and Ryan Reynolds who carry the humor throughout the film. Reynolds uses the little quips that made him famous while Guzman’s relentless, sadistic and delightfully disgusting humor sustains laughs through to the end.

Yet in a surprising turn, beneath the film’s delinquency lies an internal struggle within Long’s character about the direction his life has taken him. He must decide whether to take a managerial job that will undoubtedly seal his fate or take a chance to move up in life – a balance of misdirected youth and a coming-of-age tale not much unlike the cult classic, “Dazed and Confused.”

The only oversight in the film is the little use of stand-up comic Dane Cook. Using more his undeniable, un-PC outlook on life and seemingly endless enthusiasm would have made a great addition to the already twisted psyche of the team of line cooks.

This look at life in the workplace and youthful relationships should not be seen as a purely slapstick movie. Even though it does take some jabs at the audience with some unsanitary antics and extremely humorous dialogue, this is all overshadowed by a more down-to-earth approach that examines the pivotal point in peoples’ lives when they must decide what they want out of life. Even Reynolds’ character gets a wake-up call at the end, making him realize maybe it is time to grow up.

Through it all, however, the movie stays true to its roots: Live life to the fullest, stay young, don’t forget to laugh and keep your friends close.