REVIEW: CEDAR RAPIDS

My Rating:

What happens in Cedar Rapids, stays in Cedar Rapids. For insurance salesman Tim Lippe, (Ed Helms) Cedar Rapids is as close to Las Vegas as he will ever get, and would ever want to get. Lippe is a simple man who, after the death of a coworker, is asked to attend an insurance convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. But compared to his hometown, Cedar Rapids is an overwhelming metropolis. 

While at the convention Lippe is tasked with winning the Double Diamond award for his agency. The Double Diamond is awarded only to those god-fearing folk of sound moral fiber and outstanding service to the community. Lippe is a shoe-in for the award as long as he can resist the partying habits of Dean Ziegler (John C. Rielly). When Lippe is forced to share a room with Ziegler and Ronald Wilkes (Isiah Whitlock Jr.) he gets thrown out of his comfort zone and into a world of moral depravity. Or at least that is what he thinks. 

The story and tropes of Cedar Rapids are nothing new to be sure, but framed though the eyes of a painfully average man, the story feels fresh. I had a good idea of where the movie was going, but I didn't care because I enjoyed how the movie was getting me there. It was refreshing to watch a comedy that was truly funny, unlike the garbage that has been hitting theaters recently. (I'm looking at you Hall Pass)

Helms proves that he can hold his own as the leading man, even if his performance wasn't anything special. The character of Tim Lippe is one that should instantly remind you of Stu Prince (The Hangover) and Andy Bernard (The Office). While Helms and Rielly did there usual thing, it was Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Anne Heche that really steal the show. Their performances by far were the most real and enjoyable to watch. 

I went into this movie not fully knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised at the result. Cedar Rapids was everything I had expected it to be and more. Like I said earlier, it isn't often that we get a genuinely funny movie, and that is exactly what you get in Cedar Rapids. If you are lucky enough to live near a theater that is still showing Cedar Rapids, go see it this weekend. If not, well than save it to your Netflix queue, as this is a movie you don't want to pass up.

Released: March, 2011
Length: 1 hr 56 min
Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Written by: Phil Johnston

Cast: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Isiah Whitlock Jr.

Rating: R