Cedar Rapids Review

     Ed Helms is a likable guy. His wonderful comedic turns in The Office and The Hangover aptly prove that the man can generate big laughs. Walking into Cedar Rapids I was excited to finally see Helms get a chance to take the lead. Walking out I was dissappointed at how badly the script and direction squandered his talent.

via radioplanet.tv

    The plot of Cedar Rapids centers around Tim Lippe (Helms) who must travel to Cedar Rapids to represent his local insurance firm at a regional insurance convention. In doing so he leaves behind his mundane life, and his (much older) girlfriend, played rather stiffly by Signourney Weaver, for a chance to make his boss proud. When Tim arrives at the the hotel where the gathering is taking place he eventually makes friends with a small band of other insurance agents who show Tim how to have a good time and from there the comedy ensues. Or at least it's supposed to. That's the problem with Cedar Rapids. As a viewer you keep waiting and waiting for the real comedy to start, when in reality, it never comes. It's like getting an endless supply of chips or bread at a restaurant but never eating the meal you ordered. Unsatisfying.

     Helms and Co. do a fine job trying to generate laughs where they can (John C. Reilly is especially good) but the script doesn't give them that much to work with. Even the enjoyable chemistry between Tim and Joan (played to perfection by Anne Heche) gets stifled by the proceedings. Director Miguel Arteta (who also directed the barely ok Youth In Revolt) and writer Phil Johnston have likable characters and a seemingly engaging premise, but they drop the ball. The movie can't decide whether it wants to be an all out crude comedy or an "quirky" indie flick. Unable, to develop a consistent tone the film fails on both counts. The movie has a few moments here and there that will make you chuckle but overall one can't help but feel like Arteta missed a golden opportunity with such a talented cast. Maybe next time Mr. Helms will get the movie his talents warrant.  

Grade: D+

Trailer:

Dan