The Promotion

Last updated
The Promotion
Promotionposter.jpg
Promotional poster
Directed by Steven Conrad
Written bySteven Conrad
Produced by
  • Jessika Borsiczky
  • Steven A. Jones
Starring
Cinematography Lawrence Sher
Edited by
Music by Alex Wurman
Distributed by Dimension Films
Third Rail Releasing [1]
Release date
  • June 6, 2008 (2008-06-06)
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Box office$408,709

The Promotion is a 2008 American comedy film written and directed by Steven Conrad. A look at the quest for the American Dream, it focuses on two grocery store managers vying for a promotion. The film premiered at South by Southwest in March 2008. Dimension Films released it on June 6, 2008.

Contents

Plot

Doug Stauber is the assistant manager of a branch of Donaldson's, a supermarket chain in Chicago. He believes that he is a "shoo-in" for manager of a Donaldson's that is scheduled for construction just a few blocks away from his home. Every day, Doug deals with the pressures of being the assistant manager. Among his ordeals are an unruly gang of teenagers loitering around the parking lot, the overwhelming amount of negative comments on the customer survey cards he collects (nearly all of which are caused by the gang's antics), a foreigner who constantly slaps him over a box of Teddy Grahams, and the rumors about him being a former Junior Olympics medalist in gymnastics. Then one day, Richard Wehlner and his family move in from Quebec, and he becomes assistant manager alongside Doug.

Since Richard's arrival, it appears that he has replaced Doug as front-runner for the job. But it soon becomes clear that Richard has disadvantages of his own, such as a past substance abuse problem and a tendency to make inappropriate remarks. In one incident, both men are challenged by the board of directors over a sign posted on the deli section window, citing the deli clerk as Employee of the Month for "cutting the cheese". Richard admits being manager on duty when the sign was discovered, and explains that he had not realized that the phrase is derogatory to the American public (claiming that "cracking the cheese" is what Canadians say). The competition between Doug and Richard causes strain on their respective marriages. Doug is under financial pressure to get the job because he has begun to buy a house that he cannot afford if he is not promoted while his wife Jen ponders on going to night school. Meanwhile, Richard's wife Laurie and daughter leave him to temporarily move to her parents' home in Scotland when she sees he is losing control and reverting to his previous behavioral problems.

One day, while helping a customer in the parking lot, Doug is hit on the back of the head by a bottle of Yoo-hoo thrown by one of the gang members. In retaliation, he confronts the gang and sprays one of them with mace. Further worsening the situation is an incident in the break room, where a furious Doug throws some frozen Tater Tots toward the trash can and accidentally hits Richard's hand with one; Richard fakes an injury by wearing a wrist brace at work. Days later, Doug gives an apology speech at a local community explaining his actions during the incident and wins the respect of the community, assuring them that a beautiful day should not be spoiled by a few "bad apples". After the meeting, the board of directors, the assistant managers and the community leaders have a brief meeting, wherein Richard inadvertently refers to the gang as "black apples", infuriating the head community leader.

After several attempts to eliminate each other as competitors, both Doug and Richard, along with another prospect, are summoned by the board of directors for a final interview. Richard's hopes are shattered when it is revealed that a drug test is required, as he has recently smoked marijuana. Shortly after the interview, Doug is given a call by Mitch and notified that he has landed the job, as Richard failed his drug test and the other candidate is too junior-grade for the position. He celebrates by doing cartwheels and backflips while crossing the street – finally confirming the earlier rumor about himself. Meanwhile, after reuniting with his wife, Richard and his family return to Quebec to his old grocery store, where he is reported to have become the store manager after singlehandedly stopping an accidental fire (which is rumored to have been started by Richard himself).

Cast

The film features cameo appearances by Masi Oka [2] and Chris Gardner. [3] Richard Henzel provides the voice in Richard Wehlner's motivational tapes.

Production notes

The film was shot on location in Chicago, Illinois, during the summer of 2006. It originally was slated for release in May 2007, but new scenes were added which included Masi Oka of Heroes as a real estate loan officer. [2]

Soundtrack

The film's soundtrack consists mainly of 1970s classic rock songs played through Richard's motivational tapes, as well as 1980s and 1990s Indie rock songs which reflect Doug's life.

Featured songs

  1. "Born to Move" by Creedence Clearwater Revival
  2. "Harness and Wheel" by The Kingsbury Manx
  3. "Fly Like an Eagle" by the Steve Miller Band
  4. "Rise" by Public Image Ltd.
  5. "Don't Be Scared" by Andrew Bird
  6. "Time for Me to Fly" by REO Speedwagon
  7. "Maneater" by Clair Marlo & Her Orchestra
  8. "Turn It On" by The Flaming Lips

Critical reception

The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes reports that 53% of critics gave the film positive reviews based on 77 reviews; the average rating is 5.8/10. The consensus is, "With a workplace-related theme worthy of satire, The Promotion features some sharp witticisms but ultimately disappoints." [4] Metacritic reports the film has an average score of 51 out of 100, based on 21 reviews. [5] Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune gave the film 2 1/2 stars out of four, saying it "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 [writer/director Steven Conrad] an interesting writer." [6] James Berardinelli gave the film three out of 4 stars, saying, "What makes this film worthwhile is its willingness to display the protagonists as decent human beings despite their dog-eat-dog circumstances. There are enough laughs to justify it being labeled as a comedy but a stronger storyline than one normally associates with this kind of film." [7] Roger Ebert gave the film two out of four stars, calling it "one of those off-balance movies that seems searching for the right tone." [8] John Anderson of The Washington Post wrote an unfavorable review of the film, saying, "The portrayal of employment in America is too close for comfort. Or comedy... Not the stuff of lighthearted summer comedy." [9]

Related Research Articles

<i>Dont Say a Word</i> 2001 American thriller film by Gary Fleder

Don't Say a Word is a 2001 American psychological thriller film starring Michael Douglas, Brittany Murphy and Sean Bean based on the novel Don't Say a Word by Andrew Klavan. It was directed by Gary Fleder and written by Anthony Peckham and Patrick Smith Kelly. It was released on September 28, 2001, receiving negative reviews from critics and grossing $100 million against its $50 million budget.

<i>Multiplicity</i> (film) 1996 film by Harold Ramis

Multiplicity is a 1996 American science fiction comedy film starring Michael Keaton and Andie MacDowell about a man able to duplicate himself by machine, each duplicate developing a different personality, causing problems. It was based on Chris Miller's short story "Multiplicity", published in National Lampoon magazine, Spring 1993. The film was co-produced and directed by Harold Ramis. The original music score was composed by George Fenton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard Linklater</span> American film director, producer and screenwriter (born 1960)

Richard Stuart Linklater is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is known for making films that deal thematically with suburban culture and the effects of the passage of time. His films include the comedies Slacker (1990) and Dazed and Confused (1993); the Before trilogy of romance films, Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004), and Before Midnight (2013); the music-themed comedy School of Rock (2003); the adult animated films Waking Life (2001), A Scanner Darkly (2006), and Apollo 10 1⁄2: A Space Age Childhood (2022); the coming-of-age drama Boyhood (2014); and the comedy film Everybody Wants Some!! (2016).

<i>Dougs 1st Movie</i> 1999 animated film directed by Maurice Joyce

Doug's 1st Movie is a 1999 American animated comedy film based on the Disney-produced episodes of the Nickelodeon television series Doug. The film was directed by Maurice Joyce, and stars the regular television cast of Tom McHugh, Fred Newman, Chris Phillips, Constance Shulman, Frank Welker, Alice Playten, Guy Hadley, and Doris Belack. It was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation and Jumbo Pictures with animation provided by Plus One Animation, and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures. It was released by Walt Disney Pictures on March 26, 1999. The film serves as a finale for the Doug TV show.

<i>Fever Pitch</i> (2005 film) 2005 American romantic comedy-drama film

Fever Pitch is a 2005 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by the Farrelly brothers. It stars Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon and is a remake of the British 1997 film of the same title. Nick Hornby, who had written the original 1992 book and the 1997 screenplay adaptation, acted as an executive producer for the American remake.

<i>Welcome to Mooseport</i> 2004 film

Welcome to Mooseport is a 2004 American political satire comedy film directed by Donald Petrie, and starring Ray Romano and Gene Hackman in his final film role. It was filmed in Jackson's Point, Ontario and Port Perry, Ontario.

James Berardinelli is an American film critic and former engineer. His reviews are mainly published on his blog ReelViews. Approved as a critic by the aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, he has published two collections of reviews of movies on DVD and video. He is also a fantasy novelist, publishing a trilogy from 2015 through 2016 known as The Last Whisper of the Gods.

<i>Moonlighting</i> (film) 1982 British film

Moonlighting is a 1982 British drama film written and directed by Jerzy Skolimowski. It is set in the early 1980s at the time of the Solidarity protests in Poland. It stars Jeremy Irons as Nowak, a Polish builder leading a team working illegally in London.

<i>Oh, God!</i> (film) 1977 American film by Carl Reiner

Oh, God! is a 1977 American comedy film starring George Burns and John Denver. Based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Avery Corman, the film was directed by Carl Reiner from a screenplay written by Larry Gelbart. The story centers on unassuming supermarket manager Jerry Landers (Denver), who is chosen by God (Burns) to spread his message, despite skepticism of the media, religious authorities, and his own wife.

<i>The Incredible Shrinking Woman</i> 1981 film

The Incredible Shrinking Woman is a 1981 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Joel Schumacher, written by Jane Wagner and starring Lily Tomlin, Charles Grodin, Ned Beatty, John Glover, and Elizabeth Wilson. This film parodies the 1957 science-fiction film The Incredible Shrinking Man, and credited as based on Richard Matheson's 1956 novel, The Shrinking Man. The original music score was composed by Suzanne Ciani.

<i>For Love or Money</i> (1993 film) 1993 film by Barry Sonnenfeld

For Love or Money is a 1993 American romantic comedy film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld and starring Michael J. Fox and Gabrielle Anwar.

<i>Radioland Murders</i> 1994 American film

Radioland Murders is a 1994 American comedy thriller film directed by Mel Smith and executive produced by George Lucas. Radioland Murders is set in the 1939 atmosphere of old-time radio and pays homage to the screwball comedy films of the 1930s. The film tells the story of writer Roger Henderson trying to settle relationship issues with his wife Penny while dealing with a whodunit murder mystery in a radio station. The film stars an ensemble cast, including Brian Benben, Mary Stuart Masterson, Scott Michael Campbell, Michael Lerner, and Ned Beatty. Radioland Murders also features numerous small roles and cameo appearances, including Michael McKean, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jeffrey Tambor, Christopher Lloyd, George Burns, Billy Barty, and Rosemary Clooney.

<i>The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox</i> 1976 film by Melvin Frank

The Duchess and the Dirtwater Fox is a 1976 American Western romantic comedy film directed and produced by Melvin Frank from a screenplay by Frank, Barry Sandler, and Jack Rose and a story by Sandler. It stars George Segal and Goldie Hawn as the title characters. It follows a female hustler who becomes repeatedly mixed up with a suave con man and card shark through a series of misadventures before falling in love with him.

<i>Wild Hogs</i> 2007 film by Walt Becker

Wild Hogs is a 2007 American biker road comedy film directed by Walt Becker and starring John Travolta, Tim Allen, Martin Lawrence and William H. Macy. It was released nationwide in the United States and Canada on March 2, 2007. It was the last film by Tollin/Robbins Productions.

<i>Get Smart</i> (film) 2008 film by Peter Segal

Get Smart is a 2008 American spy action comedy film directed by Peter Segal, written by Tom J. Astle and Matt Ember and produced by Leonard B. Stern, who is also the producer of the original series. The film is based on Mel Brooks and Buck Henry's television series of the same name.

<i>Twelfth Night</i> (1996 film) 1996 film by Trevor Nunn

Twelfth Night is a 1996 romantic comedy film adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, directed by Trevor Nunn and featuring an all-star cast. Set in the late 19th century, it was filmed on location in Cornwall, including scenes shot at Padstow and at Lanhydrock House near Bodmin, with Orsino and his followers wearing uniforms that evoke the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

<i>Normal Life</i> 1996 American film

Normal Life is a 1996 American crime drama film based on the real lives of husband-and-wife bank robbers, Jeffrey and Jill Erickson. The film stars Ashley Judd and Luke Perry and was directed by John McNaughton. The original screenplay was written by husband-and-wife team Peg Haller and Bob Schneider.

Conrad Buff IV is an American film editor with more than 25 film credits since 1985. Buff is known for winning an Academy Award for Best Film Editing and an ACE Eddie Award for Titanic (1997); the awards were shared with his co-editors James Cameron and Richard A. Harris. He won the 2000 Satellite Award for Best Editing for Thirteen Days.

<i>20 Dates</i> 1998 film

20 Dates is a 1998 American mockumentary film. Myles Berkowitz directs and stars as himself, a man who decides to combine "the two biggest failures in my life--professional and personal" by setting out on a filmed quest to have 20 dates and come out with both a movie career and a love interest. While most of his dates are disasters of varying stripes, Myles ultimately meets the lovely Elisabeth on his 17th date and they completely hit it off, leaving him with a new dilemma when he wants to finish the movie anyway and puts his new romance at risk.

<i>The Breaker Upperers</i> 2018 New Zealand comedy film

The Breaker Upperers is a New Zealand romantic-comedy film written, directed by, and starring Madeleine Sami and Jackie van Beek. It was executive produced by Taika Waititi. The film is about two women cynical about love, who run an agency that helps break couples up. The film was released in New Zealand on 3 May 2018 and internationally on Netflix on 15 February 2019. Upon release, the film received positive reviews and was a box office hit in New Zealand.

References

  1. "The Promotion (2008)". AFI Catalog of Feature Films . Retrieved 22 March 2023.
  2. 1 2 ""Get Smart" stars in control of DVD spinoff". Reuters. 23 April 2007. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  3. "Videos - Christopher Gardner". Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2017-09-07.
  4. "The Promotion Movie Reviews, Pictures – Rotten Tomatoes". Rotten Tomatoes/Flixster . Retrieved 2017-09-07.
  5. "Promotion, The (2008): Reviews". Metacritic . Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  6. Phillips, Michael (2008-06-06). "Movie Review: The Promotion". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  7. Berardinelli, James. "Reelviews Movie Reviews: The Promotion" . Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  8. Ebert, Roger (2008-06-06). "The Promotion". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved 2011-02-14.
  9. Anderson, John (2008-06-13). "The Promotion: Movie Showtimes and Reviews on washingtonpost.com". The Washington Post . Archived from the original on 2011-06-28. Retrieved 2011-02-14.