In Good Company proves that Topher Grace is an amazing film actor.
Watching Good Company
In Good Company is just a solid film about jobs, friendship, love,
life, and family. We encounter two stories-- one of a man [Dennis Quaid
as Dan Foreman] who has a family with a wife, two daughters, and a successful
career as the head of ad sales for a popular sporting magazine. The other
story involves a young man [Topher Grace as Carter Duryea] who is just starting
out on life and a career. Obviously, somewhere along the line both character's
paths cross with profound consequences for each; an event that occurs quite
early in the film.
Dan Foreman, who recently sat comfortably as the head of ad sales for a
major magazine, gets the surprise of his life when he finds out that he
has been demoted soon after the magazine gets acquired in a corporate take
over. The replacement, Carter Duryea, is exactly half Dan's age with a strong
sense for business; but no sense for ad sales. Not only is their age difference
significant, but each individual has their own idea on how ad sales should
occur. Dan, the 'dinosaur,' is used to dealing with clients directly with
a solid hand shake. Carter, on the other hand, understands the business
of large corporations and the advantages of vertical integration. Therefore,
Carter is sent in to create advertising networks among other companies owned
by the same corporation. Obviously, both the individuals conflict, causing
Dan to not like Carter too much.
However, even though each of these men have vast differences, both command
the respect of their colleagues and have the warmest of hearts. Dan and
Carter both have problems on the home front as well. Dan faces a family
in need as his wife becomes pregnant and his daughter requires college funds
to attend NYU. Carter faces a divorce settlement with a wife of only seven
months. While the men do share this similarity, the home front also represents
the largest contrast of these two characters. Dan's life revolves around
family while Carter's life revolves around work [he has no family]. Because
of this, Dan is envious of Carter's job position [which was formerly his],
and Carter is envious of the life that Dan lives.
Due to this envy, the two men have an un-easy relationship at best. What
can make matters worst? Well, throw in the fact that Dan has a beautiful
eighteen-year-old daughter, Alex [Scarlett Johansson]. After some time,
and a random coincidence, Carter falls for Alex and proceeds to have a secret
affair with her. Dan does not approve.
It Should be Great Company
I got to say, this film is surprisingly good. All the characters, including
the smaller ones, seem to shine when they are on the screen. You will even
find yourself caring for characters that are tiny, with little to no lines
during the entire running of In Good Company. Some of the real
shine comes from the two men who we follow during the course of the film,
Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. While I'm sure most of you know about Dennis
Quaid, I believe there are probably quite a few of you [especially the older
readers] that have never seen Topher Grace before.
In Good Company offers Quaid a chance to prove that he is still
one of the top actors out there... he nails it.
Dennis Quaid shows that he can still draw tears from audiences by successfully
playing an overly protective father due to his infatuated love for his family.
Quaid is not just good, he is terrific in In Good Company. You
really feel the love between Quaid, Johansson, and Helgenberger. All the
actors just seem so natural, causing the story to seem all too real.
You will also find tons of comedy during the running of In Good Company.
Every character has his/her moment to make you laugh, and almost none of
the humor falls flat. Another great aspect is that this isn't corny humor
either. The film represents the type of humor you'd expect when you hang
out with your own family. An example is when Dan Foreman jumps on the phone
when he hears that his youngest daughter is speaking to her 'boyfriend.'
What Dan says on the phone is so hilarious and real, that I have to let
you see it for yourself.
Final Judgment: The movie title is perfect for this film. Through out
the entire viewing you do feel that you are within good company.
Also, this is probably one of the least predictable movies of the year,
with an ending that I call 'happily depressing.' Each character, even
the smallest of them, is perfectly polished with personality and a story.
Go grab your family and see In Good Company.
Score:
 
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