The Promotion

Starring: Seann William Scott, John C. Reilly, Jenna Fischer, Rick Gonzalez, Lili Taylor
Directed by: Steve Conrad
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
2008

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: The Assistant Manager (Seann William Scott) of a grocery store sees a great opportunity to improve his life by taking the Manager position of a newly opening store. This will allow him to provide a better life for his wife (Jenna Fischer). However, after the position has all but been offered to him, a new Assistant Manager (John C. Reilly) from Canada shows up, determined to get the same promotion.

Review:

Tim: I was actually looking forward to seeing this movie. It looked like a more intelligent stupid comedy (think about it), and it featured a pretty good cast. I was also excited to see Seann William Scott in a more reserved role. However, try as I might, I could just not enjoy this movie. Yes, it definitely has its moments, but it also has far too many weak ones.

The cast is the strongest part of the film. Seann William Scott is indeed reserved and realistic in his role. I like seeing him give a more dramatic comedic role. I think he can succeed in these types of roles. He managed a few laughs, but refrained from resorting to silliness. John C. Reilly makes a good foil for Scott, but Reilly's character is far too stupid to be believable. Reilly does an admirable job, but his character is just weak. I was really glad to see Jenna Fischer in the film. I'm a big fan of her, and I thought she did an admirable job here. She had some real chemistry with Scott.

The movie fails because it starts to get tiresome about halfway through. The gags are missing, the jokes are falling flat. I dislike movies where there is a problem between two people, and the answer is obvious to the audience, but not to the characters. I also dislike movies where characters act stupidly, and then get themselves into terrible predicaments. This movie tries to get around this issue, but can't.

The movie relies on tired premises, from the parking lot gangs to typical adolescent behavior in grown men. This just isn't funny at all. I did like the corporate retreat, but that was about it. Most of the movie involves our characters getting involved in ridiculous situations that have unbelievable and unlikely resolutions.

The Promotion is a terrific attempt that fails. I hope Hollywood makes more of these types of movies. Sadly, this film doesn't work on so many levels. It is a huge disappointment, and that is too bad. Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 4.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Pursuit of Happyness, Employee of the Month, Mr. Woodcock