The Promotion (2008)
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53% of critics liked it
(78 reviews) -
29% of users liked it
(84,405 ratings)
A war of wills takes place between two men who want to run the same grocery store in this offbeat comedy from writer and director Steven Conrad. Doug (Seann William Scott) is a seemingly ordinary guy who works as the assistant manager of a supermarket near Chicago. When the owners of the market… More A war of wills takes place between two men who want to run the same grocery store in this offbeat comedy from writer and director Steven Conrad. Doug (Seann William Scott) is a seemingly ordinary guy who works as the assistant manager of a supermarket near Chicago. When the owners of the market announce they're opening a new branch near Doug's neighborhood, he applies to become manager of the new store, and both he and his wife (Jenna Fischer) assume he's a shoo-in to get the job. But Richard (John C. Reilly), a gregarious recent hire at the store who has relocated to Illinois from Canada, announces he's also applying for the management position, and a keen rivalry develops between Doug and Richard even as they strive to act like friends on the surface. As the competition grows between the two, their personality flaws become increasingly evident -- Doug's short temper, Richard's history of drug abuse -- and when Richard's wife (Lili Taylor) leaves him, the contest starts taking an uncomfortable turn. The Promotion also stars Fred Armisen, Gil Bellows, and Bobby Cannavale. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Directed By
- Steve Conrad
- Written By
- Steve Conrad
- Genres
- Comedy
- In Theaters
- Mar 9, 2008 Wide
- On DVD
- Sep 2, 2008
- Studio
- Weinstein Company
Critic Reviews
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Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune
The Promotion may not be much, and you get to know that supermarket uncomfortably well by the end of the 85 minutes. But as I say: He's an interesting writer.
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Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald
By taking the time to make that connection with the audience, The Promotion ensures we'll forgive these guys anything -- and laugh along with them -- in their quest to advance their lots.
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James Berardinelli, ReelViews
A nice little comedy about what it takes to climb the corporate ladder and the toll such actions take on the psyche of a decent individual.
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Philip Marchand, Toronto Star
The Promotion works as a comedy because, in the depths of our dark hearts, we enjoy seeing the woes that beset our comic antagonists.
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
This is one of the more original movies of the year, and it's the rare film that's primarily about the workplace.
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