This story was genius. (from a convention-goer)

I can understand how some people didn't enjoy this movie. Not to be snobby and elitist about 'taste', but I think one has to have a particular world view to appreciate the humor in the plot and dialogue.

And not to stereotype, but I wonder how many die-hard posters on IMDB boards have actually ever participated in one of these types of conventions. It really is an alternate-reality. Now I by no means attend every convention of every industry, but I work in a fairly conservative and well-respective field, most of my colleagues are late 20's-early 60's. When they are annual things like in this story, people really do have 'convention alter egos', be-it cheating on their spouse, playing the "that guy" that everyone kinda feels sorry for but some want to hang out with just out of curiosity or loyalty, or any sort of persona you can live out for a week among people you know are probably only as cool as you are as well.

Also, even in conservative circles, the booze usually flows like water, which I think tends to magnify the lack of inhibitions. I know I've done crap at conventions I probably can't pull of in my own town, but the sense of transience and a year to get past the consequences is really too much for people who were probably a bit crazy in college but had to button down to enter the professional world to not take advantage of the "what happens in blank, stays in blank" mantra.

Ed Helms and John C. Riley are a great pair, and I think Stephen Root gets too little credit. I especially love the little physical nuances all three bring, from Riley's little shuffle onto the gay wedding dance floor to Root's pictures with his daughter. I don't know.

I also love the premise of the stunted man-child Helms plays. I know a few people like this, and also grew up in a small town where you sometimes have that doe-eyed naivete when you travel to the 'big city'. Watching his character evolved from someone who believes in promise rings for their *beep* buddy and that people who are found dead with their pants down and a belt around their neck had an 'accident' was a fun ride.

Maybe I could just relate to this film too much not for me to absolutely think it was hilarious. I tend to hang out with/be part of 'that crowd' that others think are just a joke, or who get dirty looks from organizers or people trying to 'get something out of it', but really it's all just sort of a joke. Most of the business of these events could be done via email or conference call. They really are a social gathering, and some of us socialize differently than others I suppose.

Either way, over all I thought this is probably one of the best and under-spoken pictures I've seen in years. People who disagree have that right, but really, watch it a few times and you'll see the endearing qualities it possesses.