The Promotion

The Promotion (2008)

  • 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

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R,
Directed By
Written By
Steve Conrad
Genres
Comedy
In Theaters
Mar 9, 2008 Wide
On DVD
Sep 2, 2008
Weinstein Company

Critic Reviews

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Read all 21 critic reviews

See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • Alexis N


    I wanted this movie to be so much more than what it was. I felt like it was a wasted cast. It was a boring Step Brothers with out Will Ferrell. The whole movie is beyond frustrating, but it had a happy ending. I don't know. It was just okay.

  • Richard C


    not a really hilarious movie but it has funny parts and has a good story and is entertaining. B

  • ♥˩ƳИИ &


    Seann William Scott, John C. Reilly, Gil Bellows, Fred Armisen, Lili Taylor, Jenna Fischer , Nathan Adloff Doug and Richard, two assistant managers at a Chicago supermarket chain, battle for the same management position at a new store. Though the two seem to have nothing in… More

  • Nicki M


    Good, light, funny movie, perfect for a quiet evening at home. I can see this is not rating too well, but I actually quite enjoyed it.

  • Manu G


    It was sometimes hilarious times when you can't help but laugh at thise stupid scenes but the movie itself is quite short and leaves u in complete awe. Doug and Richard, two assistant managers at a Chicago supermarket chain, battle for the same management position at a new store.… More

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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