Cedar Rapids: it’s the sort of comedy that always leaves them holding their sides at Sundance: mature men acting like morons. Hijinx ensue. How can you ever grow tired of that? From the film guide synopsis:
a comedy about a group of insurance salesmen who use the opportunity to attend an annual convention in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, as a way to escape their doleful existence . . . like Vegas but with corn.
Tim Lippe has been living in a small town his whole life and gets a rude awakening when he arrives in the "giant" metropolis of Cedar Rapids. However, his boyish charm and innocence eventually win over his fellow conventioneers, but he becomes disheartened when he uncovers corporate corruption.
Ah yes, corporate corruption. Always a good theme at Sundance too (more on that later). The film has been hyped as another 40 Year Old Virgin, as if that was a good thing. In truth, I’m not going to waste any more of your time on this movie, other than to say that it was picked up for distribution by Fox Searchlight, because flicks about idiots (of either sex) are guaranteed box office gold.
Here’s the trailer if you’re curious about the elite fare that draws thousands of people to the snowy mountains of Utah every year. Cedar Rapids (directed by Miguel Arteta of The Office, Ugly Betty and Freaks and Geeks TV fave) stars Ed Helms (The Office), John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Alia Shawkat and Isiah Whitlock Jr. (the Wire) with a bit part by Sigourney Weaver.
And remember, trailers always include all the funny parts.
If the state of Iowa gave this movie any tax incentives for filming in state, I’d ask for a rebate. Unless you want people thinking that the state is populated by clueless rubes.
