Review: 'The Promotion' sure isn't 'Office Space'

Posted Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at 10:17 AM Central

by Tim Briscoe

The Promotion wants so badly to be the cult classic Office Space. It tries so hard to be a quirky, white-collar workplace comedy.

The story is told from the point of view of Doug Stauber (Seann William Scott), a loyal assistant manager with years of service. His hard work make him the shoo-in candidate for the new manager's position at the cross-town location opening soon. That is, until Richard Welhner (John C. Reilly) transfers down from Canada.

Just looking at the DVD box, it's apparent that the movie studio wanted this to be a office comedy akin to Office Space or TV's The Office. Scott and Reilly are featured in suit jackets and ties. Nevermind the fact that the only time they're dressed like this is when they go for interviews at the corporate office.

This isn't a white collar comedy. No where in the film's description from the back cover (which I paraphrased above) does it mention their place of business. I think that's because the studio doesn't want you to realize it's a grocery store.

Check out distributor Genius Products' early release of the DVD cover. They want you to think it's set in a world of cubicles instead of the cut-throat business of produce and deli counters.

Early DVD cover for 'The Promotion'

Final cover art used for the DVD release

I don't consider managers at a grocery store any less noble I just felt incredibly swindled by the movie's marketing. Don't position it as an office comedy if it isn't one.

This feeling may have put me off but the movie itself didn't help anything either. Scott's character is clearly the protagonist but it's hard to root for his character. Just when you're starting to like the guy and feel for his position, he does something out of character that you can't help but root against him.

Then there's Reilly. Is his character benevolent? Is he scheming? Is he just bone-headed? I really don't know the answer. Honestly, I'm not sure I care. The character quickly goes from realistic to completely absurd.

It seems writer-director should have spent more time creating a much more likable character out of Scott's role. Instead it appears he used his time inserting cameos and otherwise wasting a tremendous supporting cast.

Jenna Fischer, Lili Taylor, Jason Bateman, Fred Armisen, Masi Oka, Rick Gonzalez, Gil Bellows -- these are all actors I enjoy tremendously but their appearances in this movie (some smaller than others) are not worthwhile.

There are some laughs in this movie. But the humor can't decide if it wants to be obvious or incredibly dark. Some of the running gags won't even crack a smile from you. I also can't deny there are a few laugh-out-loud moments at the end of the film but they seem like icing on a bad-tasting cake.

I was ready to love The Promotion. The movie's failed marketing, the flat script and under-utilized performers let me down. They all added up to a lifeless, mostly forgettable movie experience.