Review of Cedar Rapids (2011) by Ana B — 03 May 2012

When this mix of hopeful and edgy works, you get something like "Little Miss Sunshine." And when it doesn't, you get a cocktail with a bad smell, one part sunny to two parts vulgar. Many a filmmaker professes love for the rube, the naif. Yet much in the indie comedy "Cedar Rapids" suggests otherwise. Everyone will leave feeling like they just had a properly-sized snack of delicious popcorn when they really wanted a juicy burger. It's responsible and you don't regret it, but it doesn't go down in history either. Despite its near-universal critical acclaim, I found Cedar Rapids to be a slight comedy that could have used more laughs. Ed Helms, Anne Heche and John C. Reilly are enjoyable to watch as a motley crew of insurance agents brought together during an industry convention, but the film's lead character borders on socially inept. Cedar Rapids slowly squanders its apparently fruitful set-up, heading towards a weak, sappy ending that tries for sweetness, but leaves a sickly saccharine aftertaste. Arteta doesn't balance the broad with the genuine easily, leaving "Cedar Rapids" a largely laugh-free, erratic picture. Cedar Rapids is so smug and secure in its own comic sophistication that it sits back and waits for you to appreciate it. It might be a while. Cedar Rapids is a huge disappointment.

VERDICT: "Not So Hot" - [Negative Reaction] These films are truly terrible films. They are not the worst things ever made, but they are definitely awful and should not be seen by anyone. (Films that are rated 1.5 or 2 stars).