MovieChat Forums > The Promotion (2008) Discussion > Funny? Dramatic? I don't care. I loved i...

Funny? Dramatic? I don't care. I loved it.

posted 15 years ago by shinigami89
3 replies | jump to latest

When I first saw this on the shelves and saw that Reilly and William Scott were co starring in a cliche "rivaly for fill in the blank" I expected almost a Will Ferrel kind of comedy. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But immediately I knew that wasn't the case. The vibe of the film was different than anything I've watched lately and I loved the mood throughout. It was original. It was interesting and it was entertaining. I've worked in grocery before. I've seen these sort of situations. This stuff happens and really came off as "real".

But the rub of the situation is this: people want this to be a laugh out loud comedy. Or even a laugh every once in a while comedy.

But it isn't. I daresay it isn't even a comedy. I'd call it a character study with a light pinch of humor thrown on there.

I enjoyed the film for what it was and not what it didn't give me. I didn't need to laugh out loud every few minutes (though a few scenes DID make me laugh quite a bit. Reilly blasting the ship-in-a-bottle "Not even a grown man with CHILDRENS HANDS could do that!") because I was so absorbed in the actual story.

of course I didn't find the film perfect. Sean William Scott came off wooden at points and his relationship with Fischer seemed very forced...I still enjoyed it. Armistan was wonderful and the CEO was smarmy and cocky and wonderful as well.

I dug it and gave it an 8/10. I definitely want to re visit it.

--
I swear to shake it up if you swear to listen.

[–] mike-5134 15 years ago

Agreed. I've also worked in a grocery store and could relate with most of the situations. The characters were real and crafted from life; the lower end staff didn't care and messed around, the management staff were rigid and put on an act for everyone.

I'm glad the film didn't go the route of ridiculous comedy via slapstick and dirty humor. Not every comedy needs the outlandish stuff. This was a very laid back, good film about characters that you could care about. And it ended with some good values. What I took from the film the most is that often times, the people you hate are really just people who reflect yourselves. Sean William Scott and John C Reilly weren't rivals or enemies, they were just two guys after the same thing, and really quite similar. They could've been good friends if they weren't chasing the same job.

[–] zurichpoet 15 years ago

It was funny and good. Some parts I didn't know if I should smile or cringe. Like life.

[–] sugreev2001-1 15 years ago

I liked it a lot too.It's a great change of pace from all the slapstick comedies,with a more subtle touch.I think it's a bit underrated...

"What the world needs is more geniuses with humility, there are so few of us left."