Review of The Promotion (2008) by Damion R — 23 Nov 2010

Even thought this somewhat little-known film garnered quite favourable reviews, my big draw to it was pure and simple: the gorgeous Sean William Scott...though the skills of Oscar-nominated John C. Reilly, the comedy of SNL's Fred Armisen and the lovely Jenna Fischer of "The Office" thrown into the very odd mix was of interest....and the end result is an exteremly odd, yet not completely unsavoury celluloid soup that does indeed have a weird taste to it...but you cannot help sipping.

As Doug, Scott plays awfully...well, mature...as a man desperate to move up in the world and move out of a noisy apartment and into a house he could only afford with a raise in his salary. Thus, when the grocery he works at as an assistant manager announces a new location is opening, he goes after the job of manager, and is considered a shoe-in. That is, until Reilly's Richard transfers from Quebec as a new assistant manager at Doug's current location...and decides to go after the same promotion.

Oddness ensues...as does a very odd look at Canadians. And A"Ally McBeal"'s Gil Bellows looking very odd, as well.

"The Promotion" is not a bad film, but having gotten used to Scott's shenanigans in films like the "American Pie" series and "Role Models," I didn't quite expect a film of such weight, albeit still comedic. However, Scott does show that he may have more substance than he is generally given credit for. Though this oddly muddled film is an odd choice for him to choose to try to show it. There is definitely some funny moments as the film progresses, but in the end, the film is more funny in a circus way than funny ha ha.

And not one scene in which we get to see Scott's greatest body of work. His body. And that is just not funny at all.