The Promotion (2008)

I really, really liked this movie.

If someone asked me to list my top twenty movies, it's very unlikely that a comedy would ever grace that list but there's a possibility that "The Promotion" might appear from now on. The strange fact is that it's the characters and the story of "The Promotion" which endeared the movie to me rather than the humour.

That's not to say that "The Promotion" isn't funny because it is. It may not be laugh-out-loud funny but it's filled with enough strange little moments (a scene of one employee at the supermarket shaving in the middle of the aisle for example) to raise a few smiles.

Of the two main characters, Sean William Scott is the one whom the audience is drawn towards. Scott is possibly at his best in "The Promotion" where, for once, he's not required to channel Stiffler from "American Pie". Instead he plays a well-mannered loser whose only ambition is to become the manager of a new supermarket so he can finally afford a new house for himself and his wife. His competition for the position is played by the always reliable John C Reilly and it's nice that Reilly's character isn't presented as the bad guy but just a normal man with his own aspirations and dreams. Although it's a story of oneupmanship, it doesn't fall back on the broadly stupid ways other movies might have presented their conflict.

If you're a fan of Wes Anderson movies ("Rushmore", "The Royal Tenenbaums") then it's quite likely you'll find something to love here. The same is also true if you enjoyed "The Weather Man" (also written by Steve Conrad) or "Juno" (Jason Bateman from that movie appears here in a brief cameo incidentally).

Beneath the humour, i liked the message of "The Promotion" and the way in which it told that message. It's a study on human beings ("We're all just out here trying to get some food... sometimes we bump into each other" Reilly's character explains at one point) and, more specifically, on what it's like to be a man in the modern world.

It may have some problems here or there (the Scottish accent used by Reilly's wife is terrible for example) but it has a big heart and is incredibly entertaining. It also has an uplifting ending in which a long-running joke is finally paid off, which made me clap my hands and smile.

Strongly recommended.

Fmovies: I saw the film in Austin and I actually thought it was really funny....the humor is not slapstick....it's dark humor...I loved it....the cameos are amazing too! Jason Bateman shines in this film! I think the casting job is great. We can finally see Seann William Scott in a deep role that shows what a great actor he is. He also has great comedic timing with John Riley. Riley with his Canadian accent is hysterical in this film. His random odd lines are going to be repeated all over. My favorite is about the mesquite krunchers....so funny. I think that in this film we really get to see what a great comedic writer Conrad is. I also love that he takes a really funny film, but gives it a realistic heart. What it comes down to are these two men trying to provide for their families. It is the American Dream at it's core. Everyone can identify with its message. The films humor is similar to Office Space. The review from film school rejects on it was good too.

Many people saying this movie is "uninspired" or "boring" do not understand the type this type of comedy. The reason the characters do not have energy is because they are not supposed to! It is the type of comedy that pokes fun at real life situations. It is meant to bring out the comedy in day to day life. I felt like this was really obvious, but I guess not.

It is great to see a movie that is funny, and does not have to use obscene material to accomplish this. Many comedies now days think if they fill it with curse words, and nudity it makes it funny. I appreciate a comedy that can be funny without having to do this.

If you find Seinfeld funny, I would highly recommend this movie.

The Promotion fmovies. I expected a bit more from this movie, if only because of Steve Conrad's involvement as well as two decent leads for that type of movie. Unfortunately, Conrad, who is usually a good writer, really delivered his weakest story and lines here. Perhaps the double duty as writer and director didn't help.

Seann William Scott will never be mistaken for an Oscar performing actor but he usually has energy and a charisma that is very evident on the screen. Here, he really seems uninspired. There seems to be an attempt to pull a Jim Carrey or Will Ferrell with a performance that would be partly funny, partly tragic. Unfortunately, he fails on both fronts. John C Reilly, who is both a tremendous character actor and a great comedy guy is the most disappointing aspect of the movie. He utterly fails at making this character believable in any way and, at times, it seems he is reciting lines at a private rehearsal. Really, really bad. The actresses playing the wives of our main characters are equally uninteresting and unconvincing. Special mention goes to Lili Taylor in another awful role. Her worse performance ever and would have been worthy of a Razzie award if the movie was higher profile and her role more prominent.

There's still a nice basic plot, some moments are funny enough. The motivational tapes of Richard Welhner make for a nice running gag, until it becomes overused. By the end of the movie, we're just glad when Reilly throws that away on the sidewalk. The last arc of the film is even weaker than the rest, with a botched resolution. It really could have been a new kind of Office Space but unfortunately, those throwing that comparison are absolutely mistaken and need some more perspective. There simply aren't any classic elements in The Promotion, while Office Space is a top 10 comedy of all time. Quite a difference between the two, really.

Perhaps a director working with Conrad would have helped keep a sense of direction. A recast of the main characters (or much better actor direction) was also needed. The movie is a decent way to kill time but doesn't offer anything beyond that.

Some comedies make you laugh out loud, but this one makes you smile inside.

A languid tale of competition and two guys just trying to get bye in the world, both afraid of failure and willing to hurt the other to make it but each wrapped up in tragedy and common decency.

It will come as a surprise to many that Seann William Scott can actually act and he has real if understated presence in this.

John C Reilly is his usual excellent self but it is the tale that is the real star.

It is easy to make a comedy based on physical slapstick or outrageous language and acts. This one relies on a script and rhythmn and a gentleness of heart.

Without ever threatening to split one's sides, it is a nice film and well worth a watch.

This film is about two assistant managers of a supermarket fighting for a promotion to become the manager of the new branch.

The two assistant managers, Doug and Richard, are both developed well. They come across as real human beings that I care about. They are both torn between their need to climb up the ladder, but are both restrained by their morals. This soul searching is beautifully depicted, giving the story depth and charm.

I find "The Promotion" to be very well made. It successfully strikes the right balance between dirty office politics, reflections on moral issues and humour. This is really hard, given the fact that the topic of the film is likely to arouse some negative emotions in the viewer's own work place. I really enjoyed watching "The Promotion".