Movie Review: CEDAR RAPIDS

photo © 2009 Shana Fagan | more info (via: Wylio)Cedar Rapids, produced by the same folks who did one of my all time favorite movies, Sideways, is the exact type of indie-comedy that on paper I would expect to love.  A likable cast (led by Ed Helms of The Hangover and The Office fame), a simple but nice premise, and a stamp of approval by many who saw it upon it's premiere at the Sundance Film Festival left me with high expectations.  Unfortunately though, for every joke that's successful, there are two more that aren't.  And there are barely enough jokes good or bad to even label this a comedy in the first place.

The film follows the *sarcasm* exciting *end sarcasm* world of insurance sales people attending an annual conference.  Tim Lippe (pronounced Lippy), is a man who tries to live life "correctly".  He doesn't drink, isn't crazy, and has become content with his simple life.  His only fault is his ongoing affair with his childhood schoolteacher played by Sigourney Weaver (who was grossly underused.)  When he attends his first conference, he is thrown into a pretty unbelievably exciting world of debauchery.  

The best part of this movie was Anne Heche, who turned in a phenomenal supporting performance as Joan Fox, a flirtatious and fun rep.  While many parts of her character were left undeveloped, there was something about the character that made you really like her.

While this movie wasn't a complete failure, and there were a couple of very good moments, the overall tone was kind of mean-spirited.  It's not a black comedy, but it comes pretty close.  I think the film lacked the proper direction to really connect with me.  One moment characters are dealing with infidelity, drugs, and strong sexual themes, while the next moment they are lighting farts on fire and playing around in a ball-pit at a kids play place.  Overall, I would give it a 6 out of 10.  Wait for the DVD,

Parental Take:  This R rated comedy is crass and vulgar, and most certainly not for children or teens.

If You Like Cedar Rapids Try:  As I said, the same folks produced the far superior movie in Sideways.