Found this on YouTube movies. I didn't expect much from a comedy about an insurance convention, but Cedar Rapids surprised me. Ed Helms carries the whole thing as Tim Lippe, this utterly sheltered guy experiencing the real world for the first time at 40-something. The charm works because he's not playing dumb -- just painfully sheltered, which makes a difference. The supporting cast elevates it. John C. Reilly is crude and magnetic as Dean Ziegler, constantly stealing scenes with his vulgarity and weird charisma. Isiah Whitlock Jr. plays it straight as Ronald, and that contrast between them creates the best comedic moments. Anne Heche brings something grounded as Joan -- there's a weariness to her that makes the character feel lived-in rather than just a comedic type. The ensemble dynamic feels genuine, like actual friendships forming on screen. What works is the heart underneath. The film gets at something real about how people learn the world isn't what they thought it was. It doesn't beat you over the head with it, which I appreciated. The humor mostly comes from Tim's reactions to normal situations rather than forced gags, and that restraint actually makes the laughs land better. The problem is the tonal balance. Whenever it tries to get poignant, it trips over itself. There's this crack-smoking scene that feels completely out of place, and some of the dramatic turns feel forced rather than earned. The ending also fizzles -- it's pleasant but forgettable, which is frustrating when the setup suggested something more satisfying. It's worth your time if you want something light. The cast does solid work, and there are genuine laughs. Just don't expect it to stick with you. It's the kind of movie that's good for a Friday night and then you move on.