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The Promotion

If you think latent racism is just plain hysterical

By Matt Pais

Metromix
June 6, 2008

Critic's Rating:

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Grocery store assistant manager Doug (Seann William Scott) is a shoo-in for a managerial position, until Canadian transfer Richard (John C. Reilly) throws his name into the ring. Jenna Fischer plays Doug's wife, Lily Taylor is Richard's wife, Fred Armisen is the store manager and Gil Bellows is the board member who decides which man will be promoted.

Big question: Can writer Steve Conrad ("The Weather Man," "The Pursuit of Happyness"), making his directorial debut, finally learn how to tell a story?

Skip it: The supporting characters, all used to create problems or distractions for Doug and Richard, are troublesome black gang members, lazy black grocery employees, lazy Mexican employees, a flamboyant gay couple and a mentally challenged bag boy. As if that weren't questionable enough, Doug and Richard are also so unappealing that there's no one to root for in their rivalry, which is barely fierce enough to qualify as conflict.

Catch it: If you envy an overweight store worker who helps himself to soda, deodorant and more from the shelves during the shift. If the job isn't fun, at least the benefits are good!

Bottom line: Everything about this comedy is so low impact and low interest you’ll hope Jessica Simpson will wander out of the store from "Employee of the Month" to add some bubbly energy. Though if she did, she'd still be stuck in an insulting film that deserves all the complaints it's bound to receive.

Bonus: A motivational leader (Jason Bateman) says you can conquer adversity and face your fears (like walking on hot coals) simply by dismissing distractions. What happens if you're not scared but your feet still are?

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