The new movie, “In Good Company,” starring Dennis Quaid, Scarlett Johansson and Topher Grace, is a simple, halfromantic comedy with unusual happenings and unpredictable scenes, written and directed by up and coming director Paul Weitz.His brother, Chris Weitz, can be thanked for such movies as “About a Boy” and “American Pie.” The premise of the film is that Dan, played by Quaid, an advertising marketer, holds a steady job at a sports magazine in New York. He is loved by his fellow workers and is admired as a boss. Due to an uptight, arrogant, marketing hot-shot known affectionately as Teddy K, Dan gets demoted from his job as head of the advertising department to the “wingman” of the barely out of diapers Carter Duerrie, played by Topher Grace. This situation is hilarious, although the repetitive jokes and jabs at Quaidʼs character were a bit overdone, and lost their effect on the audience.
For the first twist, Carterʼs wife of seven months (Selma Blair) divorces him unexpectedly, leaving Carter depressed to say the very least. He finds rejuvenation in who else but Danʼs daughter in the film, Alex, played by Scarlett Johansson. Carter and Alex become intimate and Dan catches on. After a sucker punch and a few spilled drinks, Alex calls the relationship off.
A repeating theme throughout the film, which is revealed throughout the many misfortunes Carter has to deal with, is that although he makes a great amount of money and is young, he is still jealous of Dan due to the loving family and wife that he has. This theme in the movie is really what made it stand out from any other romantic comedy I have seen in quite some time. With a heartfelt chat, Carter and Dan begin to realize that instead of working against each other, they should work together. Through their newly established bond, they make a huge deal with a company which could quite possibly save the sports magazine they both work for.
The final twist would give away the ending to the movie, so if you are on the edge of your seat, I would recommend seeing “In Good Company.” If you arenʼt so sure yet, I would recommend it as a renter. Though this film has a good message, it wasnʼt perfect. The movie was entirely too long. I felt as if I were in the movie theatre for way more than two hours. The movieʼs biggest weakness was that it dragged. Another reason I give “In Good Company” a mediocre review would be the weak dialogue and annoying camera angles. Yes, thatʼs a bit technical, but it was extremely disorienting.
Extreme close ups and horrible comebacks were scattered throughout the film, leaving it quite corny. I do give much credit to Weitz for surprising me with an ending I truly wasnʼt expecting. Most romantic comedies are quite predictable but not this one!
Also, the acting was a lot better than I thought it would be. Sad to say, the worst acting in it was that of Johansson, which was unlikely. I have never liked Dennis Quaid as much in any other movie as I did in “In Good Company.” His performance and believability were top-notch. Grace left a little something to be desired, but was in no way a “movie killer.” I give the film 3.5 stars out of 5. If you saw the previews and thought youʼd like it, chances are you will. If you werenʼt too sure how you felt about it, chances are youʼll side with me. As always, I encourage you to see it yourself and give it your own review.