"Cedar Rapids" is the Best Surprise of 2011 Thus Far

If Forrest Gump had sold insurance policies, chances are he would have sounded like Tim Lippe in "Cedar Rapids," a brilliant comedy from Miguel Arteta ("Youth in Revolt"). A 2011 Sundance Film Festival premiere film, this offbeat comedy ensures plenty of laughs.

Ed Helms of TV's "The Office" plays Tim Lippe, the earnestly sincere insurance salesman who, due to a tragic accident, becomes his company's representative at the annual insurance conference in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Suffering from arrested development, Tim is overwhelmed by everything from his slick little compact car to a hotel room overlooking the swimming pool. Tim also has strict orders to bring back the coveted Two Diamond Award from the conference-or else.

Tim does, however, forget his boss' strict orders to avoid Dean Ziegler (John C. Reilly), a rival insurance salesman and an extremely bad influence. In short order, 'Deanzie' has Tim doing shots in the hotel bar, singing karaoke songs and taking a midnight swim in the pool.

(For Deanzie's official guide to business conventions, please follow this link ).

Tim also starts an affair with Joan (Anne Heche), another conventioneer who thinks he is absolutely adorable. Under Dean's influence, Tim is in serious danger of losing the Two Diamond Award and possibly his job.

An extremely smart comedy, "Cedar Rapids" contains great ensemble acting highlighted by a breakout performance from Ed Helms. With this film, Helms has officially ditched his second banana status and is ready to tackle more starring roles.

Normally over-the-top, John C. Reilly is a bit subdued here as Dean, but this performance works well in the film. Reilly's Dean Ziegler obviously has been selling insurance way too long, and his philosophies about life and sales are both profound and completely outrageous.

Anne Heche also gets to have way too much fun as Joan, a woman who acts like George Clooney's love interest in "Up in the Air." For Joan, the annual insurance conventions are an escape from her everyday life. As she says, what happens in Cedar Rapids stays in Cedar Rapids.

The biggest laughs come, however, from Isiah Whitlock, Jr., who plays Tim's hotel roommate Ronald. When things get out of control, Ronald seeks inspiration from his favorite character on the HBO series "The Wire." Whitlock can switch gears from deadpan to deadly in less than 10 seconds.

The best surprise of 2011 thus far, "Cedar Rapids" is an extremely fresh and original comedy. Ed Helms and director Miguel Arteta ensure plenty of big laughs.

"Cedar Rapids," rated R for crude and sexual content, language and drug use, currently is playing in limited release. It is scheduled to open in more markets on Friday, February 18.