You never know how these things are going to play out, but "Cedar Rapids" feels like it could be a sleeper comedy hit. It's got that "Office Space" workplace snark, the adorable underdog appeal of "The 40-Year-Old Virgin," and two varieties of the ever popular man-child thing. Ed Helms, in his first major project since "The Hangover," plays a naïve Midwestern insurance rep attending his first out-of-town convention. John C. Reilly is his boisterous friendly rival. When they head out for a night on the town, hilarity ensues. For real. The film is howlingly funny and well worth paying for when it opens here Feb. 18, but if you move fast you can see it in a special sneak preview – free.
The movie's writer, Phil Johnston (who used to be a reporter at KARE-11), and producer, Jim Burke (from Edina), are both U of MN alumni and will be in town to host a showing and a post-screening Q & A on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. The first 30 people to go HERE and enter the code FILM3H will receive one "Admit 2" pass for the sneak preview. Get clicking, and good luck!
