It’s hard to put into words why I like Cedar Rapids so much. It’s a pretty quiet, understated, indie comedy featuring comedic juggernauts Ed Helms and John C. Reilly.
The film tells the story of Tim Lippe (Ed Helms), an insurance salesman who goes to a convention in Cedar Rapids in place of the office star (Thomas Lennon) after he dies. There he meets fellow salesmen/women Dean Ziegler (John C. Reilly), Ronald Wilkes (Isiah Whitlock Jr) and Joan Ostrowski-Fox (Anne Heche).
In essence I guess the film is a fish out of water story, but a description of that nature doesn’t really seem to do the film justice.
Cedar Rapids is interspersed with these quiet romantic moments between Tim and Joan, and for me they are the highlight of the film. That’s not to say the rest of it isn’t wonderful, I just found these scenes to be a distinct change of pace for a comedy. The highlight is the pool scene with Tim, Dean and Joan. There’s a moment in there which is shot in such a beautiful way I find myself waiting for it every time I watch the film.
Not much more to say other than watch this film. It’s all kinds of awesome.
