Chicago – Millions more people have seen his work in the two “The Hangover” films but Ed Helms’ best performance to date is actually in the recently-released-on-Blu-ray “Cedar Rapids,” a clever and enjoyable slice of midwestern comedy that co-stars John C. Reilly, Anne Heche, Sigourney Weaver, and more. The excellent cast elevates a somewhat-inconsistent screenplay, making this fun film worth the trip.
Blu-ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
Helms plays a variation on the stuck-up characters he’s been known for in “The Hangover” and “The Office” but with a bit more heart and naivete. Tim Lippe is a sweet guy but almost uncomfortably so. He doesn’t drink, doesn’t swear, doesn’t tell dirty jokes, and certainly doesn’t sleep around or do drugs. All of that will change in one crazy trip to “Cedar Rapids.” Playing a Midwestern business trip to Iowa as if it is a crazy innocence-busting weekend in Tijuana was an undeniably clever idea.
Blu-ray Rating: 3.5/5.0
Helms plays a variation on the stuck-up characters he’s been known for in “The Hangover” and “The Office” but with a bit more heart and naivete. Tim Lippe is a sweet guy but almost uncomfortably so. He doesn’t drink, doesn’t swear, doesn’t tell dirty jokes, and certainly doesn’t sleep around or do drugs. All of that will change in one crazy trip to “Cedar Rapids.” Playing a Midwestern business trip to Iowa as if it is a crazy innocence-busting weekend in Tijuana was an undeniably clever idea.
- 6/28/2011
- by adam@hollywoodchicago.com (Adam Fendelman)
- HollywoodChicago.com
Blu-ray Review
Cedar Rapids
Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Cast: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche
Running Time: 1 hr 27 mins
Rating: R
Due Out: June 21, 2011
Plot: Tim Lippe (Helms) has no idea what he’s in for when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans.
Who’S It For? Rabid fans of the films of Judd Apatow, Mike Judge, Todd Phillips and their ilk, will likely tolerate this film, possibly even enjoy it — It’s a workingman’s version of such, dumbed down quite a bit further.
Movie: I feel like I really should have enjoyed this film. But I didn’t. I am the perfect test subject for Cedar Rapids (or perhaps the antithesis of such), as I’ve worked in the insurance industry for the past six years,...
Cedar Rapids
Directed by: Miguel Arteta
Cast: Ed Helms, John C. Reilly, Anne Heche
Running Time: 1 hr 27 mins
Rating: R
Due Out: June 21, 2011
Plot: Tim Lippe (Helms) has no idea what he’s in for when he’s sent to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to represent his company at an annual insurance convention, where he soon finds himself under the “guidance” of three convention veterans.
Who’S It For? Rabid fans of the films of Judd Apatow, Mike Judge, Todd Phillips and their ilk, will likely tolerate this film, possibly even enjoy it — It’s a workingman’s version of such, dumbed down quite a bit further.
Movie: I feel like I really should have enjoyed this film. But I didn’t. I am the perfect test subject for Cedar Rapids (or perhaps the antithesis of such), as I’ve worked in the insurance industry for the past six years,...
- 6/27/2011
- by Aaron Ruffcorn
- The Scorecard Review
It's a tall order to combine raunchy R-rated humor and genuine sweetness and come up with a mixture audiences will find palatable, but -- following the lead of comedies like "40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Superbad" -- director Miguel Arteta somehow pulls it off in "Cedar Rapids."
The title refers to the "big city" in Iowa where small-town insurance agent Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) must represent his company at a convention. Tim isn't exactly a virgin -- he's sleeping with his former school teacher (Sigourney Weaver), a recent divorcee -- but he is naïve to the ways of the world and takes their arrangement much more seriously than she does. Do you know anyone who has graduated high school that would give his girl a "promise ring"? Tim does this with zero irony.
Tim is truly a big-eyed babe in the woods as he checks into the hotel in Cedar Rapids, where...
The title refers to the "big city" in Iowa where small-town insurance agent Tim Lippe (Ed Helms) must represent his company at a convention. Tim isn't exactly a virgin -- he's sleeping with his former school teacher (Sigourney Weaver), a recent divorcee -- but he is naïve to the ways of the world and takes their arrangement much more seriously than she does. Do you know anyone who has graduated high school that would give his girl a "promise ring"? Tim does this with zero irony.
Tim is truly a big-eyed babe in the woods as he checks into the hotel in Cedar Rapids, where...
- 6/21/2011
- by Robert DeSalvo
- NextMovie
Can you feel the love? Wedding season officially began last week with the event of the century: the royal nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Whether you're the beautiful bride-to-be or a humble guest, looking the part on this momentous occasion is imperative. Avoid committing a fashion faux pas by following these helpful hints.
Wedding Belles: Looking the PartBlushing Bride
If a white wedding is in your future, then select a dress that reflects your personal style.
Whether you're the beautiful bride-to-be or a humble guest, looking the part on this momentous occasion is imperative. Avoid committing a fashion faux pas by following these helpful hints.
Wedding Belles: Looking the PartBlushing Bride
If a white wedding is in your future, then select a dress that reflects your personal style.
- 5/6/2011
- Extra
Hitch A Ride With One Humble Salesman As He Experiences The Ultimate Insurance Convention!
Cedar Rapids
Slam Back a Shot of Cream Sherry and Dance with the Tiger when
Cedar Rapids: Super Awesome Edition
Comes to Blu-ray & DVD June 21
Follow mild-mannered Tim Lippe as he takes off on an epic adventure to Cedar Rapids, coming to Blu-ray and DVD in a Super Awesome Edition June 21st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. This wildly funny and undeniably infectious comedy will have you wanting more of Lippe and his crew, Deanzie, Joan and Ronald as they cause mayhem at the most unconventional business convention of all-time.
Cedar Rapids features an all-star cast including Ed Helms (The Hangover), John C. Reilly (Step Brothers), Anne Heche (TV.s Hung), and Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner Sigourney Weaver (Avatar). Find additional chaos and laughs in deleted scenes, gag reel, and other...
Cedar Rapids
Slam Back a Shot of Cream Sherry and Dance with the Tiger when
Cedar Rapids: Super Awesome Edition
Comes to Blu-ray & DVD June 21
Follow mild-mannered Tim Lippe as he takes off on an epic adventure to Cedar Rapids, coming to Blu-ray and DVD in a Super Awesome Edition June 21st from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. This wildly funny and undeniably infectious comedy will have you wanting more of Lippe and his crew, Deanzie, Joan and Ronald as they cause mayhem at the most unconventional business convention of all-time.
Cedar Rapids features an all-star cast including Ed Helms (The Hangover), John C. Reilly (Step Brothers), Anne Heche (TV.s Hung), and Academy Award® nominee and Golden Globe® winner Sigourney Weaver (Avatar). Find additional chaos and laughs in deleted scenes, gag reel, and other...
- 4/22/2011
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
If you’re a fan of John C. Reilly (Cyrus) comedies and love Ed Helms in The Office, you might want to check out Cedar Rapids when it arrives on DVD and Blu-ray on June 21 from 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment.
In the movie, Helms plays Tim Lippe, a naive small-town Midwesterner who finally gets to go to the big city — Cedar Rapids, Iowa — where he must save his company at a regional insurance convention. There, he’s seduced by a Nebraska insurance agent (Anne Heche, TV’s Hung) and in awe of his roommates, a straight-shooter (Isiah Whitlock Jr., TV’s The Wire) and an extrovert (Reilly). Sigourney Weaver (Avatar) and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine) also are in the film.
Rated R, the comedy was released in a limited number of theaters, where it grossed $6.7 million, but the film will definitely get its biggest audience with this DVD and Blu-ray release.
In the movie, Helms plays Tim Lippe, a naive small-town Midwesterner who finally gets to go to the big city — Cedar Rapids, Iowa — where he must save his company at a regional insurance convention. There, he’s seduced by a Nebraska insurance agent (Anne Heche, TV’s Hung) and in awe of his roommates, a straight-shooter (Isiah Whitlock Jr., TV’s The Wire) and an extrovert (Reilly). Sigourney Weaver (Avatar) and Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine) also are in the film.
Rated R, the comedy was released in a limited number of theaters, where it grossed $6.7 million, but the film will definitely get its biggest audience with this DVD and Blu-ray release.
- 4/19/2011
- by Sam
- Disc Dish
Her tiny frame and bubble-light voice have made Shirley Henderson a shoo-in for roles such as Harry Potter's Moaning Myrtle – but don't be fooled she's a tough cookie
The first thing you notice about Shirley Henderson is that no one else notices her. Dressed in a demure, plain-coloured shift and clutching a handbag too small to carry more than a lipstick and purse, she slips quietly through the half-empty Glasgow cafe in which we've arranged to meet. She slides stealthily into the seat next to mine. An attempt at a kiss – air or cheek – would, I sense, be an error; Henderson prefers the professional formality of an army officer's handshake.
It would be a mistake to interpret Henderson's understated appearance as the attention-avoiding tactic of a mildly famous celebrity, though she has certainly taken roles that have granted her a modicum of fame – many will know her as the downtrodden...
The first thing you notice about Shirley Henderson is that no one else notices her. Dressed in a demure, plain-coloured shift and clutching a handbag too small to carry more than a lipstick and purse, she slips quietly through the half-empty Glasgow cafe in which we've arranged to meet. She slides stealthily into the seat next to mine. An attempt at a kiss – air or cheek – would, I sense, be an error; Henderson prefers the professional formality of an army officer's handshake.
It would be a mistake to interpret Henderson's understated appearance as the attention-avoiding tactic of a mildly famous celebrity, though she has certainly taken roles that have granted her a modicum of fame – many will know her as the downtrodden...
- 3/11/2010
- by Jane Graham
- The Guardian - Film News
Regarded as one of the most innovative British filmmakers today - Andrea Arnold got that distinction via the film, Red Road - which also happens to be her first feature film. At the recent Cannes, her second feature was received with criticial praise, Fish Tank. The Times Online was very generous about her new film and I quote:
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- 9/12/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
Regarded as one of the most innovative British filmmakers today - Andrea Arnold got that distinction via the film, Red Road - which also happens to be her first feature film. At the recent Cannes, her second feature was received with criticial praise, Fish Tank. The Times Online was very generous about her new film and I quote:
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- 9/12/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
Regarded as one of the most innovative British filmmakers today - Andrea Arnold got that distinction via the film, Red Road - which also happens to be her first feature film. At the recent Cannes, her second feature was received with criticial praise, Fish Tank. The Times Online was very generous about her new film and I quote:
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- 9/12/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
Regarded as one of the most innovative British filmmakers today - Andrea Arnold got that distinction via the film, Red Road - which also happens to be her first feature film. At the recent Cannes, her second feature was received with criticial praise, Fish Tank. The Times Online was very generous about her new film and I quote:
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- - -
- - - It's only her second feature film, but with Fish Tank, the British director Andrea Arnold demonstrates that she more than deserves her place in a Cannes competition lineup that includes work from some of the most celebrated directors currently working. And it's fitting that her picture screens alongside the latest from Ken Loach - there is an obvious debt here to his brand of compassionate naturalism. Arnold builds on the humanistic, low key intimacy of her feature debut, Red Road, which won the Jury prize at...
- 9/12/2009
- The Movie Fanatic
UCLA alumnus Dustin Lance Black, the Oscar-winning "Milk" screenwriter, will be honored with UCLA's Distinguished Achievement in Screenwriting Award on June 10 at UCLA's Freud Playhouse.
The award will be presented to Black, a 1996 honors graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television, during UCLA's Screenwriters Showcase, staged readings of student screenplays and teleplays selected by a jury of industry professionals in an annual competition.
The showcase is part of UCLA Festival 2009: New Creative Work, a nine-day celebration of the newest work by students from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, which takes place at UCLA and other sites June 5-13.
The event will be hosted by screenwriter and UCLA alumnus Mike Werb, whose credits include "The Mask," "Face/Off" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."
The Showcase feature winners are: Barbara Curry, "Talk of the Town"; Meg Gifford, "Paint It Black"; Ed Goodman, "Limbo Larry vs. Death Et Al"; Joseph Hartstone,...
The award will be presented to Black, a 1996 honors graduate of UCLA's School of Theater, Film and Television, during UCLA's Screenwriters Showcase, staged readings of student screenplays and teleplays selected by a jury of industry professionals in an annual competition.
The showcase is part of UCLA Festival 2009: New Creative Work, a nine-day celebration of the newest work by students from the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, which takes place at UCLA and other sites June 5-13.
The event will be hosted by screenwriter and UCLA alumnus Mike Werb, whose credits include "The Mask," "Face/Off" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."
The Showcase feature winners are: Barbara Curry, "Talk of the Town"; Meg Gifford, "Paint It Black"; Ed Goodman, "Limbo Larry vs. Death Et Al"; Joseph Hartstone,...
- 6/4/2009
- by By Gregg Kilday
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.