Promoted (2015)

Promoted Poster

Jacob and his best friend Alex thought they were on their way to earning one of LA's most highly celebrated advertising accounts. That is, until the villainous and manipulative Marissa enters the picture, doing everything in her power to win the promotion for herself, while seducing Jacob into a romantic relationship. Then, enter into the equation a horny lesbian receptionist, a mentally challenged building custodian, a crazy Chinese boss, Jacob's demented grandmother and sexually perverted grandfather, a gay gangsta rapper, and an assortment of other wacky characters. All chaos ensues, as Jacob must somehow come up with a way to save his career, salvage his friendship, and figure out who his true loyalties lie towards in the love department.

Introduction
"Promoted" is an American independent funny movie directed by Isaac Constein. The film, produced by Supernova Films and launched in 2015, is a satirical take on the business world filled with humor and revealing insights into office politics. Starring Samm Levine, Stephen Cloud, Cody Longo, Justine Wachsberger, and Roger Guenveur Smith, the plot focuses on a group of enthusiastic young specialists browsing the cutthroat environment of their office.

Plot
The film generally surrounds the storyline of two junior executives, Mike (Stephen Cloud) and Chad (Cody Longo), who work at a high-handed advertising firm. Mike is a hardworking, diligent employee, solidly going after the standard path of promotion. On the other hand, Chad is a computing, enthusiastic exec who does not shy away from backstabbing his way to get ahead.

When their manager, played by Roger Guenveur Smith, all of a sudden gives up, the duo contends for his position. The job sets off a power struggle and a video game of wits in between these contrasting characters, setting the phase for a turbulent and amusing journey. Their manipulative office coworker Antonia (Justine Wachsberger) adds to the drama, navigating the circumstance to her advantage and magnifying the race for promo.

Styles
Constein's movie checks out a number of themes prevalent in today's business world. It looks into the trials and tribulations of surviving in a dog-eat-dog environment that is all too familiar to numerous working professionals. The filthy business tricks, such as sabotage, backstabbing, and control, are laid bare with an amusing bend, making the movie a satisfying satire on office politics.

"Promoted" likewise comes to grips with the principle of stability and personal worths in the quest for career advancement. It triggers reflection on how far one would go to climb the business ladder and whether the end justifies the methods.

Performance and Reception
Performance-wise, Stephen Cloud and Cody Longo shine as 2 ambitious junior executives. They catch the dichotomy of their characters with validity and finesse. The rest of the cast, consisting of Justine Wachsberger and Roger Guenveur Smith, turn in commendable efficiencies as the equally ambitious and manipulative colleagues.

The movie has been applauded for its clever writing, sharp humor, and insightful depiction of the corporate world. It provides a special blend of realism and satire blended with amusing discussions and one-liners. Critics have actually valued its strong approach towards taking jabs at corporate vices. Nevertheless, it also got moderate criticism for the predictability of the plot twists.

Conclusion
In general, "Promoted" offers a funny and, at times, completely honest representation of the modern-day corporate world, laced with ambition and deceit. The movie appeals to those who have experienced or experienced the harsh truth of office politics and uses an excellent laugh, along with food for thought on the lengths individuals are willing to opt for success.

Top Cast

  • Justine Wachsberger (small)
    Justine Wachsberger
    Marissa Fox
  • Cody Longo (small)
    Cody Longo
    Alex Francis
  • Samm Levine (small)
    Samm Levine
    Jacob Silver
  • Aries Spears (small)
    Aries Spears
    Homothug
  • Estelle Harris (small)
    Estelle Harris
    Sylvia
  • Marty Ingels (small)
    Marty Ingels
    Murray Silver
  • Clint Jung (small)
    Clint Jung
    Mr. Chang
  • Stephen Cloud
    Chad Fox
  • Chrisanne Eastwood
    Dina
  • Claire Gordon-Harper (small)
    Claire Gordon-Harper
    Leah Shapiro
  • Vince Donvito (small)
    Vince Donvito
    Ronny