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The Promotion

Review By: Dan Deevy
DanDeevy@TheCinemaSource.com

After years of reviewing movies and consistently raving more about smaller films that generate a moderate box office than the huge blockbusters with no heart but a huge return, I think the time has finally come when everyone else will actually agree with me enough to get out there to theaters and make a small film a big financial success!

Judging from the overwhelmingly positive audience response at the South by Southwest Film Festival and according to a hugely favorable rating on Rotten Tomatoes it seems that the masses are finally agreeing with the Deev… The Promotion is a fantastically funny, emotionally moving film that satisfies on many, many levels.

Doug, expertly played by the always charming and never difficult to look at Seann William Scott, is an average Joe kind of guy who works as an assistant manager at a local grocery store chain and is married to a beautiful woman that he loves. As he realizes time beginning to pass by a bit more quickly, Doug decides to take the next step and apply to be a full manager at a newly established store in a better part of town. The new position would at last allow him to buy the house he’s always wanted and will give them the chance settle in and start a family. He’s a shoe in for the promotion until his unexpected Canadian competition arrives.

Richard Wellner, played by John C. Reilly a man with unparalleled comedic timing by the way, arrives in town with much the same ambitions as Doug; he has his eyes set firmly on the prize and is adamant to not let anything, even the in house golden boy himself get in his way.

As you would expect from the description, several contest like situations arise between the two with each winning some and losing others. What’s not clear from the basic outline, however, is the gravitas that each of these moments brings to the film. These aren’t two ‘caricatures’ who can be slapstick-like and silly with no real consequences; the entire film is presented in a very real life way. That grounding in reality is what makes the comedy at times incredibly dry and awkward, but also creates other moments that are laugh out loud hysterical.

The performances across the board are great. You never question any ones position or authenticity in this world. Even down to the amazing supporting cast including an un-credited Bobby Cannavale who plays the arrogant Doctor who’s more than a little interested