The Promotion
Sunday night brought about a huge case of boredom so I decided to search my DVR to see if I had anything worth watching. I stumbled across a movie I recorded last week that received much critical praise but was in and out of the theaters last year faster than The Magic Hour lasted on FOX.
It co-stars two of my favorite character actors, Sean William Scott and John C. Reilly, as well as a smaller role by The Office hottie Jenna Fischer. Normally, Stiffler and Dragon play loud mouth buffoons who are hysterical, crude, and always causing mischief. However, in a change of pace for both, they play pretty normal family men who are just trying to get by in life. The comedy is rather dry and subdued yet effective and at the same time, you develop a vested interest in the quaint story.
The story is based around Donaldson’s, a supermarket chain in the Chicago area which both are employed by. When word of a new location gets out, each has dreams of becoming its head manager. During the interviewing process, which takes place over several weeks, both guys are trying to weave themselves through several obstacles that occur, mainly out of happenstance. Each time you feel as though a disaster has been somewhat averted, another issue pops up. All the while, it never takes the plunge into utter hilarity, which is similar to life.
This movie comes off in the same vain as such understated films as: Office Space, Thank You For Smoking, and The Hammer. You may not have the same enjoyment once it ends as you would when watching one of the recent R-rated blockbuster comedies, but that is not what the purpose of this flick is. If you want to sit back and enjoy a fun, relaxing, and a quasi heartwarming experience, I would recommend that you seek out this movie. And remember, make some popcorn and be sure to crack some cheese on it.
