Review of Cedar Rapids (2011) by Panta O — 03 Aug 2011

Unexpected pleasure!

I have to use those two words to describe this smartly directed movie by Miguel Arteta who was working with the very interesting screenplay written by Phil Johnston (his script was included on the 2009 Blacklist, a Hollywood list of the most popular unproduced screenplays of the year). Really enjoyed the performances of Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche and Isiah Whitlock Jr. Amazing cast!

A comedy about "real life" in which naive and idealistic insurance agent Tim Lippe is sent to represent his company (Brownstar Insurance) at a regional conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It wouldn't be anything strange if that was happening under "normal circumstances" but Tim is sent as a replacement for his co-worker, Roger Lemke, who dies in an auto-erotic asphyxiation accident! Tim idolised Roger, believing that his death was merely an unfortunate accident, and that he embodied all it was to be decent, honest, caring to the community and most importantly "Christian", as these are the key criteria used to judge the winner of the coveted "Two Diamonds" award, which Roger had won 3 years in a row. Tim is under pressure from his boss, Bill, to ensure they win again, the 4th time... and keep the small company afloat.

Is everything going to be according to the plan?! Hmmmmm... watch what happens when John C. Reilly as Dean Ziegler, Anne Heche as Joan Ostrowski-Fox and Isiah Whitlock Jr. as Ronald Wilkes get involved...

I have to say that this comedy gives us a rare breed of story that deals with the loss of innocence and shedding of naivety in its main character, which uses inexperience for comedic brilliance. What I liked was the treatment of its main character's unseasoned upbringing with dignity and respect... and that is rare these days! Thumbs up from me!