Movie Review: "Cedar Rapids"

Seen on: February 14, 2011

The players: Director: Miguel Arteta, Writer: Phil Johnston, Cast: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kurtwood Smith

Facts of interest: Arteta also directed "Youth in Revolt" and "The Good Girl."

The plot: Ed Helms plays a small-town insurance agent traveling to a big convention in Cedar Rapids, where he experiences a world he never knew existed.

Our thoughts: Miguel Arteta’s “Cedar Rapids” is a wonderful little comedy filled with a lot of heart and big laughs. Penned by Phil Johnston, the film stars popular actor Ed Helms (“The Hangover”) as Tim Lippe, a somewhat stuck-up insurance agent whose first trip to an important insurance convention in Cedar Rapids shows him a side of life he never thought existed. 

Now, what makes Tim such an interesting character to watch is the fact that he has never left his tiny hometown before. He’s never been inside a plane or a hotel before, and he sure as heck has no clue what to expect at the big convention, where he’s expected to amaze everybody with a killer presentation and win a prestigious award for his company.

Tim has certainly done his homework in terms of preparing for the event, but as soon as he arrives in Cedar Rapids, things quickly start to spin out of control when he befriends Dean Ziegler (John C. Reilly), Ronald Wilkes (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) and Joan Fox (Anne Heche), three insurance experts who insist they show him the best time of this life.

Needless to say, the events that ensue are beyond hilarious, and before he knows it, Tim finds himself in a bunch of trouble that could seriously jeopardize his mission to properly represent his company. At the same time, hanging out with his new buddies also finally gives him the opportunity open up and discover himself in an entirely new way.

“Cedar Rapids” truly is the kind of comedy we don’t get to see on the big-screen very often these days. Boasting a huge amount of excellent little jokes combined with amusing and cleverly used slapstick, the film tells the heartwarming story of a lonely guy who finds new meaning in his existence through the power of newfound friendships.

The dialogue Tim, Joan, Dean and Ronald are supplied with is incredibly funny throughout, and the chemistry between these likeable guys is rock solid. Witty screenwriting aside, the movie benefits mostly from the outstanding cast, led by Ed Helms in an incredibly sincere performance that differs a lot from his previous, goofier roles.

The funniest guy in this movie though is John C. Reilly, whose character Dean Ziegler’s got the best lines and the biggest energy. Believe me when I say that Reilly will make you laugh out loud in every single scene he’s in. His performance is priceless, and he always makes sure to carry the high level of humor from one scene into the next. Heche and Whitlock Jr. round out a perfect supporting cast.

Freaky quote: "This is amazing." - Ed Helms

The final word: I really could go on and on about “Cedar Rapids,” but I strongly encourage you to see if yourself and have a fabulous time. Little comedies that actually use a bunch of slapstick in a smart way and still manage to tell a moving story are rare these days, so we need to make sure to cherish and support those that succeed on all levels. Trust me, the trip to “Cedar Rapids” is definitely worth it!

Article by Franck Tabouring