Cedar Rapids (2011)

[earlsmoviepicks]

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This is the adventure of a naïve small-town insurance salesman attending a big out-of-town convention. Who better than Ed Helms to play the idealistic, childlike Tim Lippe. He hooks up with a wonderful trio of cronies, Isiah Whitlock Jr, John C. Reilly, and Ann Heche.

This could’ve been an easily forgettable romp--there’s plenty of sex, drugs and debauchery to go around. But it’s not. There’s a real solidness to it; a sweetness to the story. A man’s (albeit a goofy man’s) coming of age, and the value of friends, honesty, and ethics.

It’s a well-woven blend of really hysterical moments and also some very tender ones. It can go slightly over the top at times, but hey, it all works. Not preachy or overly sugared with sentiment. But you feel it. Ed Helms has a big part in that, his genius is making you feel sorry for him while you’re laughing at him. Wonderful stuff.

And he can rock the lame sweaters as well as Pacino can rock the shades.

John C. Reilly really nails the obnoxious jerk/goodguy combo role, and thank you lord, Ann Heche in a part that I could actually tolerate her in. Sigourney Weaver, Kurtwood Smith (the bad guy in RoboCop), and freckled Alia Shawkat are 3 very nice treats as well.

This is a fine popcorn or date movie. Very gentle with good laughs and a feel-good vibe. And it ended perfectly by the way.

4.5

[TheUsualSuspect]

I think a 3 fits this movie better. It was funny, but nothing to write home about. John C. Reilly steals every scene he is in.

[earlsmoviepicks]

Yeah, I wrote the review right after watching it and was really digging it afterwards lol-- I'll have to give it the 2nd watch in a while. I loved John C Reilly in this one...

[Skepsis93]

I enjoyed it. I usually prefer Reilly in his more serious roles (Chicago, Gangs of New York, most recently We Need to Talk About Kevin) but I liked him in this too. I'd give it a 3.5.

[filmgirlinterrupted]

I was mildly amused. If it wasn't for John C. Reilly, I probably would have fallen asleep. Saw it once, probably not going to watch it again. 2.5

[Arequipa]

This was a two beer movie for me.
Verdict: A bit light on big laughs, but Cedar Rapids has fine performances, and is never less than amusing.”