Review of Cedar Rapids (2011) by Ben J — 23 Aug 2011

Thought it was funny. This film had a lot going for it. One could say, even though characters get into some very bizarre and uncomfortable situation that this film was sort of safe. Safe in the fact that Ed Helms is for sure now the go to guy when it comes to the modern "Fish-out0of-water" scenario. The plot is as simplistic as it gets, however, there is a certain layer of manhood that sits over top watching it from above. In every exchange between the four main characters there's a certain realism and fantasy mixture that makes you feel not only are these people real, but they all know that their trip to Cedar Rapids is the fantasy. We, as viewers, are just simply watching them live it.

On a performance level, it breaks down like this; Ed Helms is becoming an increasingly large talent, not only in comedy, but in the realism of characters. He faces the task of being a real person and not a caricature that is painted in so many over rated movies. He plays it "straight" as many critics are calling it these days. He's above par on fairing with the rest of the cast. His quiet yet hilariously awkward exchanges with Sigorny Weaver are priceless as are his scenes with a certain hooker for whom he befriends.

John C. Riley is really all you need to call these days if you want a movie to be really fucking funny. He steals almost all of his scenes as a fast talking dirt baggish dude with nothing on his mind but getting wasted. Nothing wrong with that.

Isiah Whitlock Jr. is priceless playing off the opposite side of his raw, shady, dark character from "The Wire". He even makes two references to the show which were strategically placed successfully as to not wink at the camera.

Lastly, we have Anne Heche, who I am sorry but, she is getting hotter ad hotter the older she get's. She plays it as sexy as they come and her role in this film was really saved by the witty real dialogue she had to work with and the brilliant way she delivered it. She could have been run out of this film by simply writing her to be every other female powerless stereotype written into movies, but instead they approached her with a mind of her own, grace, and the ability to toss em back with the guys. All of which makes her even more doable.

All and all the movie is a solid. If it hadn't been for the formulaic premise, the more than familiar setting, and some slow moments, it would have gotten a higher rating by me.