This is one of those movies that you can proudly say, “That was pretty good!” I was expecting THE PROMOTION to be as awful and humorless as Sean William Scott’s last failed effort called Mr. Woodcock, but this is nothing like that. THE PROMOTION is a comedy that surprisingly has enough drama to make you connect with the characters. It has physical humor but it doesn’t depend solely on that. It shows what compels or motivates a person to be competitive without forgetting to be funny.

Doug (Scott) is an assistant manager at a grocery store chain who can’t seem to catch a break. His girlfriend is a nurse surrounded by successful doctors who make him feel insignificant. Richard (John C. Reilly) is an assistant manager from another
chain in Canada. He moves down with his family to create a better life when a new store is going to be built in that area. The corporation is looking for somebody to become store manager at the new location, so Doug and Richard find themselves competing for this coveted promotion.

Most other comedies would have two people competing against each other over the most insignificant things, and then you’d see each of them cooking up plans to get the other person out of the game. THE PROMOTION has that, but it doesn’t get too ridiculous. The silly scenes are not overdone and there’s no over the top, unnecessary, outrageous stuff that would turn you off. Overall, it is well written and I give props to writer/director Steve Conrad.

This is actually the first proof that Sean William Scott (American Pie) can actually act!
The world knows John C. Reilly has acting skills, because he’s an Oscar nominee for the move Chicago. However, to see Stiffler give a decent performance as an ordinary man who’s trying to do his best to give his girlfriend a better life, is actually a refreshing things to see on the big screen. Both characters have justifiable reasons for being competitive and like one of Reilly’s lines states, “We’re all just trying to find food out there.” you’ll end up sympathizing with both competitors.

I enjoyed writer/director Steven Conrad’s take on showing what a horrible workplace/work environment could look and feel like. The movie also shows society’s perception of what might be considered a respected job vs. working in a department store or shopping center. I like the simplicity used to display the mindset regarding a male who feels inadequate because his female counterpart makes more money than he does. There’s a sense of pride that comes with a promotion. It’s not just about more money, or more benefits, it’s a sign that you’re somebody. It’s a sign that you’ve earned the respect of your peers.

It’s a bit sad to think that some people have to prove something just to feel some self-worth. However, it’s also a sad thing to just coast through an ordinary life without having any aspirations, dreams or higher goals to pursue.

My grade for this film is: 4 out of 5

All work and no play makes the Young & Successful feel unbalanced! To rescue our overworked souls, YSN member and movie aficionado Rama Tampubolon discusses the latest hot topics and movie reviews every Thursday on Waste Time Wisely. He runs the movie review and discussion blog, Rama’s Screen, and was featured in “United 300,” which won for “Best Spoof” at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.

Balancing work, meetings, relationships, family, strategizing your next move, planning the future, getting exercise and a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling stretched too thin and yearning for a vacation – by yourself. Instead of packing up your bags and heading to a deserted island (which sounds wonderful but isn’t always an option), making time for you—and you alone—can help minimize that sense of being overwhelmed. There is nothing wrong with putting yourself first. Being selfish—the right way—is about prioritizing your needs (if you don’t, who will?). This is not a bad thing, and nobody’s feelings have to get hurt; simply convey in a gentle, effective manner how important it is for you to take a breather.

Some tips on staying sane (even though others might think you’re crazy):

1. Just Say “No”: Despite being just two letters, “No” is one of the most difficult words to say and one of the most important to learn. We often stretch ourselves too thin simply by taking on too much. While it’s important to get out there, jumpstart your career and still enjoy life outside of work, it’s equally important to honor yourself and know when you’ve had enough. Do you have to go out every night? Do you have to play on every team? Can you really take on another project and still maintain a high quality of work? Stop burning the candle at both ends. Gain time and energy simply by saying “No” every now and then.

2. Be Inaccessible… Sometimes: These days, when your phone goes directly to voicemail, the person calling automatically thinks something awful has happened to you! Some people can’t fathom turning off their computer, cell phone, home phone, Blackberry or pager (some people still have them!), but it’s extremely liberating to drop off the face of the Earth every once in a while. For once, really enjoy dinner with a loved one or friend without distractions. Read a magazine or newspaper from front to back every Sunday morning over coffee without interruptions. Or if you’re really daring, don’t do anything—just enjoy the silence. Just be. And see what brilliant thoughts, ideas and answers pop into your head.

3. Shut Out The World: If you’re at work, put on your headphones or close your door. Drowning out the noise for even just a few minutes can increase your productivity and make a long work day, big project or loud coworkers more bearable. If your coworker or boss looks at you funny, just explain your need to focus on your work and reenergize for the rest of the day.

Sick and tired of your job? Is the stress and the pressure driving you mad? Do you hate your workplace and all the faces you have to see day in and day out? Feeling angry? Don’t take it out on your co-workers; there are better, healthier ways to channel your anger. It’s good to express yourself but don’t do it in a way you will regret! If you think Bruce Banner, from the awesome new The Incredible Hulk movie is the only one with anger management problems, think again!

Let’s take a look at some of movies’ most memorable characters in the past who are known for their rage. …And PLEASE don’t follow their examples, especially in the work place!!

10. DAVE BUZNIK, played by Adam Sandler (Anger Management, 2003)
If something pissed him off, then the Sandman would either pull a prank on you or simply yell his heart out right in your face.

Angry Line: “By the way, his name’s not fat-*crap*-cat. It’s Meatball. And he’s eating your crab cakes right now”

9. COL. NATHAN JESSEP, played by Jack Nicholson (A Few Good Men, 1992)
On screen, Jack does it so easily, like breathing air. His famous line will be parodied by many for years to come.

Angry line: “You can’t handle the truth!”

8. FRANK SLADE, played by Al Pacino (Scent of a Woman, 1992)
Never ever try to reason with a decorated man on the brink of suicide, while holding a loaded .45

Angry line: “What life? I got no life! I’m in the dark here. You understand? I’m in the dark!”

7. NURSE RATCHED, played by Louise Fletcher (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1976)
What’s scary about her anger is not the yelling or the screaming. It’s the stone cold, heartless expression on her face that says ‘no care in the world,’ the kind that could send someone straight to hell.

Angry line: “You know Billy, what worries me is how your mother is going to take this.”

6. SGT. HARTMAN, played by R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket, 1987)
His anger comes with the job. Hearing him yell at you, you don’t know whether to be scared or to laugh. But you do know that you better hold your face still and do as you’re told.

Angry Line: “Private Pyle I’m gonna give you three seconds; exactly three-freakin’-seconds to wipe that stupid looking grin off your face or I will gouge out your eyeballs! ONE! TWO! THREE!”

5. JONAH JAMESON, played by J.K. Simmons (Spider-Man, 2002)
I don’t know what the hell his personal grudge is. He probably didn’t get to become the hero when he was a kid so someone like Spider-Man irritates him to the bone.

Angry line: “Who is Spider-Man? He’s a criminal that’s who he is! A vigilante! A public menace! What’s he doing on MY front page?”

4. TOMMY DeVITO, played by Joe Pesci (Goodfellas, 1992)
Geez… this guy can give you the goose bumps. He stares at you and asks you to clarify what you just said, and you’re going to wish you hadn’t said it in the first place.

Angry line: “You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it’s me, I’m a little messed up maybe, but I’m funny how, I mean funny like I’m a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I’m here to freakin’ amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?”

3. QUEEN ELIZABETH I, played by Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth: The Golden Age, 2007)
The man she has a huge crush on has feelings for one of her maids and on top of that, the Spaniards are always in her business.

Angry line: “I, too, can command the wind, sir! I have a hurricane in me that will strip Spain bare when you dare to try me!”

2. WILLIAM “D-FENSE” FOSTER, played by Michael Douglas (Falling Down, 1993)
When everything seems to go wrong, and nothing seems to go as planned; he doesn’t hesitate to take it out on the world.

Angry Line: “You think I’m a thief? Oh, you see, I’m not the thief. I’m not the one charging 85 cents for a *stinking* soda! You’re the thief. I’m just standing up for my rights as a consumer.”

1.OLIVER ROSE and BARBARA ROSE, played by Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner (The War of the Roses, 1989)
Ah, there’s nothing like a married couple who can’t stand each other. Their anger becomes entertaining.

Angry Line: “When I look at you lately, I just wanna smash your face in”

All work and no play makes the Young & Successful feel unbalanced! To rescue our overworked souls, YSN member and movie aficionado Rama Tampubolon discusses the latest hot topics and movie reviews every Thursday on Waste Time Wisely. He runs the movie review and discussion blog, Rama’s Screen, and was featured in “United 300,” which won for “Best Spoof” at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.