I love this movie so much

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

I really hate all these dry office comedies that are common place today. Films like Office Space and shows like The Office and Community, make me wonder if the people who watch this stuff are truly brain dead to what real comedy is anymore. I assumed that Cedar Rapids would be another of these films, but there is a difference, Ed Helms. Even before he was in films like the Hangover, I thought this guy was hilarious, and I am a great admirer of his work, so I gave this film a shot. Helms plays Tim Lippy, an insurance agent who went right from High School to being an insurance agent. He has never been anywhere, never done anything, and is completely oblivious to the world outside his office. That all changes when Tim is sent to represent his firm at a Midwest insurance conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Alone and exposed for the first time in his life, Tim has a hard time just fitting in an letting loose, so he does what every insurance agent does, and turns to drugs, alcohol, and prostitutes. Cedar Rapids is the second film from Miguel Arteta, whose first film, Youth In Revolt, also surprised me. Neither of these films are the type of comedy I enjoy, but somehow Arteta has the magic touch. Cedar Rapids had me laughing to the point of tears, something that almost never happens, and for once, I saw how these ordinary, everyday situations could be funny. As for the star, Ed Helms, he was just amazing, his extreme anxiety and taking every emotion to it's absolute extreme just gets me every time. Cedar Rapids isn't your typical comedy and even after seeing the preview, I was convinced that it would be terrible, but the combination of Miguel Arteta and Ed Helms make this film a must see comedy classic.

...I did recall seeing this movie back in the day, & loved it,but not only did I forget it rather quickly, I couldn't recall the protagonist's last name( helms!the guy who was the villain in that comedy w/ Jeremy Pivens!--can't even recall that movie title either?)..THe reason I'm writing this review, is I visited a strip club last night & was struck by the appearance of a lap dancer who immediately struck me as having a dead-on resemblance to the woman in the movie, but I could not recall her name in my mind, & I kept telling the dancer she reminded me of a comedy movie I saw 3 years ago,but I knew it wasn't Anna faris,jenny mcCarthy,but I do recall she looked a little like Tea Leoni, & was either married to Ellen degeneres, or somebody,& I recall the actress was usually an underrated dramatic actress, but occasionally made some comedy attempts(wonderful CEDAR RAPIDS).And then she remarked that she was often mistaken for Rebecca DeMornay.But I knew the Cedar Falls actress wasn't her. SO I Binged "cedar rapids the movie" , went to IMDb.com,& now I can proudly say, it is the incredibly underrated actress, ANNE HECHE!! If she was a little more endowed, she would have been a dead ringer for that lap dancer....Funny it took a visit to a strip club to remind me of a long forgotten comedy gem.

Tim Lippe, a man from a small town in Wisconsin, is a decent man. That does not mean he is a saint. When we meet him, he is seen making love to his former school teacher, Macy Vanderhei, a woman much older than Tim. Tim is employed at an insurance agency which will be represented by his boss, but the man's untimely death, leaves the head of the agency no alternative but to send Tim to represent the company and to win the coveted 'two diamond' award for the best agency covering the Midwest.Tim is naive in a lot of ways. Taking his first flight is an unexpected thrill for him. He is not prepared for the big city ways. As he is about to enter the hotel, he meets a friendly prostitute outside looking for prospects. Tim is made to share a small suite with Ronald, and the man he was told to avoid, Dean Ziegler. Tim is horrified. When Joan Ostrowski-Fox, a woman attending the convention arrives, things change for Tim. Meeting the man in charge of granting the award in the locker room is something he would have loved to avoid since both are naked and the man insists in giving him a hug."Cedar Rapids" is a good comedy which rings true. Miguel Arteta directed the film with an eye to keeping things in check and not making the mistake of going overboard with things that might have derailed the film. The screenplay was written by Phil Johnston. The situations presented are what one would expect in a place where people go for fun and relaxation. Most of the events featured are what such events try to capitalize when it involves people that are not exactly sophisticates.Ed Helms keeps getting better all the time. He is always seen in roles that show him as a naive man. His Tim is basically a decent individual trying to do a good showing and bring back the trophy. John C. Reilly proves he is a source of fun wherever he appears. His Dean is a man who likes occasions such as being away from home to have a good time, no matter what. Anne Heche is Joan, the lady who knows the territory. Isiah Whitlock plays Ronald, a straight laced man who shows his worth to get his friends from a sticky situation. A perfect Sigourney Weaver appears as Macy. She is not around much, but she certainly impresses. Others in the supporting cast include Stephen Root and Kerwood Smith.

With all of the Hollywood movies either being a superhero movie, sequels, or remake/fairytale ripoffs it is finally good to see a new original script. This movie is hilarious. Great characters and cast chemistry. Ed Helms steps onto the big screen from the Office and does not miss a beat. I see him getting bigger in the coming years. John C. Reilly however absolutely steals the show playing the scumbag salesman with a good heart. Movie is a little dark at times and was somewhat disappointed in the ending but overall a solid original comedy with great acting. It is good to watch a comedy that does not feature the Apatow dick and fart jokes that last for 2 and half hours or a Will Ferrell movie that is mindless humor.