There's nothing overly spectacular about the film, a simple comedy about career-oriented rivalry, yet it has an odd way of succeeding at nearly every little joke it makes.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Nov 28, 2020

| Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 24, 2011

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 17, 2011

A bit Alexander Payne social satire, a bit Mike Judge's "Office Space," "The Promotion" keeps the laughter mostly low-key while addressing deflating truths about occupational angst -writer/director Steve Conrad's sturdy thematic stock-in-trade.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Sep 17, 2010

Sort of a Dilbert riff, only lower on the food chain.

| May 5, 2010

The Promotion does sacrifice some comedy in its attempt at depth.

| Original Score: 50/100 | Feb 15, 2009

| Original Score: B | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: B+ | Oct 18, 2008

The Promotion 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 an interesting writer.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 18, 2008

By taking the time to make that connection with the audience, The Promotion ensures we'll forgive these guys anything -- and laugh along with them -- in their quest to advance their lots.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 18, 2008

A nice little comedy about what it takes to climb the corporate ladder and the toll such actions take on the psyche of a decent individual.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Oct 18, 2008

...an odd yet compelling comedy...

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Oct 16, 2008

A work-retreat sequence is hilarious, thanks to a scene-stealing supporting bit from Jason Bateman. And Reilly's convincing portrayal of the somewhat self-destructive Richard does make the whole thing watchable.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 11, 2008

Two things are missing in this debut directing effort from writer Steve Conrad - a sufficient number of jokes and anybody worth rooting for.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 10, 2008

...sharp and intelligent...

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 10, 2008

Easily one of the freshest, funniest comedies of the year.

| Original Score: A- | Jul 1, 2008

The Promotion works as a comedy because, in the depths of our dark hearts, we enjoy seeing the woes that beset our comic antagonists.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jun 27, 2008

The Promotion is generally harmless but boring.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 27, 2008

Fails as a comedy because it's less funny and interesting than it would be to watch stars Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly sitting in lawn chairs and talking for 90 minutes.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jun 27, 2008

Fizzles as a comedy and as an exploration of the stresses of work.

Full Review | Original Score: 1/5 | Jun 20, 2008