Isiah Whitlock Jr, John C. Reilly, Ed Helms and Anne Heche stir up chaos in "Cedar Rapids" (Zade Rosenthal/Fox Searchlight Pictures)

(USA, 2011, 87 mins)

After watching “Cedar Rapids” you realize that what happens in Cedar Rapids stays in Cedar Rapids. From the outside, Cedar Rapids appears to be a quiet town that is host to the annual insurance industry convention but in reality the town becomes a hub of depravity and sin not unlike Sin City.

A super-sweet, extremely belated, coming-of-age story with a raunchy kick, “Cedar Rapids” serves as a vehicle playing to the strengths of its leading man, Ed Helms. Helms showcases his trademark nerdy and goofy charm seen on “The Office” playing Tim Lippe, a slightly awkward and naïve character that is incredibly endearing. His performance is reminiscent of characters Michael Cera plays, but in a good way. His inappropriate responses are incredibly endearing, and never for a minute do you doubt his sincere intentions.

Much of Tim’s apprehension for being in Cedar Rapids is due to him never experiencing life outside of his hometown of Brown Valley, Wisconsin. He is forced by his boss to attend the annual insurance convention held in Cedar Rapids, and continue the company’s streak of winning the prestigious Two Diamonds award given to the best insurance company upholding Christian values. The most important objective being to avoid Dean Ziegler, an apparent “poacher” who steals clients.

Given Tim’s luck, he immediately befriends “Deanzie” played by a spot-on, not-too-over-the-top John C. Reilly. Supporting both Helms and Reilly is a great cast of characters: Isiah Whitlock Jr. playing Ronald Wilkes, a fellow insurance agent whose courage is stemmed from his obsession with the show, “The Wire” and a zesty Anne Heche playing Joan Ostrowski-Fox, another insurance agent competing for the Two Diamonds.

Director Miguel Arteta (“Youth in Revolt” and “The Good Girl”) does a wonderful job at capturing the endearing sincerity and likability of a small-town guy who is thrown into a new situation out of his comfort zone, without compromising his values. One of the breakout stars of “Cedar Rapids” is the clever dialogue written by new-comer, Phil Johnston. Although the trailers may portray “Cedar Rapids” as a typical comedy that would be seen on NBC’s comedy night, this film is a pleasant surprise. Without a too-predictable plot, it was hard not to be genuinely laughing out loud and chortling like an awkward teenager that Tim Lippe must have been.

Overall, “Cedar Rapids” is a great comedic film that in between the raunchy dialogue warms the heart with its Midwest antics, and Ed Helms continues to display his undeniable talent as the top-billed actor. 

“Cedar Rapids” will be in theaters from February 11, 2011.

Reach reporter Sabrina Siu here.