Cedar Rapids

Ed Helms stars as Tim Lippe - an unassuming insurance salesman from Wisconsin about to embark on the biggest challenge of his life. The agency has won a prestigious award for the past several years due to the efforts of a showy, charismatic co-worker, but Tim has to go to the insurance convention this year, and no one is sure he can pull it off, especially Tim.

Will his company win the Two Diamond Award?

Can Tim stay out of trouble?

Cedar Rapids is a funny movie that gets too serious towards the end. Director Miguel Arteta and writer Phil Johnston do a wonderful job showing us Tim's descent into debauchery, which is hilarious and full of outrageous situations that have the audience doubled over with laughs, but could have done better establishing why Tim is such a sheltered guy. It seems to be more than growing up in a small town, but is left unexplored.

Then, Helms is great as the overly naïve quiet guy scared of his own shadow who finds a new confidence and daring. He can carry a film all on his own, but is lucky enough to have a great cast along for the ride. Anne Heche is beyond fabulous as the raunchy, sexy woman who lights up the screen every time she walks in. Even when her story turns a bit more serious, we can't get enough of Heche.

Continuing his career in comedy, John C. Reilly gets to be outrageous and inappropriate. However, unlike most movies that rely on inappropriate comedy for cheap laughs, this comedy helps build his character and enhance situations.

If you aren't in the mood for Adam Sandler this weekend (and, who really is?), check out Cedar Rapids as your alternative comedy choice.

Cedar Rapids is rated R for crude and sexual content, language and drug use.