2008 Woodie Awards
In Good Company, Acting and Script
Briana Visone
Issue date: 2/2/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
What happens when after working for a company for over 20 years, you are demoted and forced to work for someone young enough to be your son? This is what Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid) must deal with, after a takeover from Globecom, who buys the magazine that he has been working for. His job is given to a 26 year old named Carter Duryea (Topher Grace). With multiple people being fired, Dan must work with Carter in order to save his job. This is a necessity due to his oldest daughter Alex (Scarlett Johanssen) in college and a new baby on the way.
Carter has been working nonstop since graduating from college. After thriving in cell phone sales, he gets the opportunity of a lifetime with a new job. Sadly, however, at this same time his wife leaves him. Meeting Dan changes him and makes Carter realize that he is in over his head. He begins to attach himself to Dan. In doing this, Carter meets Alex and they secretly start a relationship.
In Good Company was written and directed by Paul Weitz, best known for his work on American Pie and About a Boy. Continuing to stray away from the teen comedy, Weitz has done an excellent job on his path with this touching comedy. The script was excellent. The main plot was witty and endearing. Unfortunately, the romantic subplot was lacking. The subplot was missing something and seemed to not help the main plot along at all. On the other hand, the relationship between Dan and Alex showed how real relationships between a father and daughter can be. Many films show a father and daughter either getting along or constantly fighting-a realistic relationship. They were a pair that were very close but had their rocky times as well but not so badly that they could not make up. This subplot made the movie even better.
While the script was good, the acting was better. Dennis Quaid was his usual hysterical self. He was able to balance the comedy and the drama very well. Topher Grace has finally grown up. Playing a character his own age, Grace was able to show that he too can play an adult and pull it off. Like in most of his performances, he was exceptional. Finally, Scarlett Johanssen's wonderful personality came through in the movie, yet again playing a slightly older part. Johanssen is one of the few young actors not taking parts in teen movies. She has proved that she belongs in the movies in which she performs and always does an excellent job.
In Good Company is a not some typical coming of age story. Carter grows as a person and begins to learn what he truly wants out of life. He created a successful life, however, without stopping to check if this is what he really wanted. Dan is able to help him find what he truly desires. All this happens in a company with layoffs and high stress takeover.
The film is not completely serious. There are numerous jokes throughout the movie. Most memorable is when Dan drives home and realizes a surprise party is being thrown for him. He then decides to walk in wearing only his boxer shorts. Other moments include Carter's overindulgence of caffeine and Dan attempting to play sports the way he did when he was a bit younger.
Overall, this is an excellent movie-not too sappy, but emotional and funny. This movie is recommendable to any person who enjoys such films as About a Boy or Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Carter has been working nonstop since graduating from college. After thriving in cell phone sales, he gets the opportunity of a lifetime with a new job. Sadly, however, at this same time his wife leaves him. Meeting Dan changes him and makes Carter realize that he is in over his head. He begins to attach himself to Dan. In doing this, Carter meets Alex and they secretly start a relationship.
In Good Company was written and directed by Paul Weitz, best known for his work on American Pie and About a Boy. Continuing to stray away from the teen comedy, Weitz has done an excellent job on his path with this touching comedy. The script was excellent. The main plot was witty and endearing. Unfortunately, the romantic subplot was lacking. The subplot was missing something and seemed to not help the main plot along at all. On the other hand, the relationship between Dan and Alex showed how real relationships between a father and daughter can be. Many films show a father and daughter either getting along or constantly fighting-a realistic relationship. They were a pair that were very close but had their rocky times as well but not so badly that they could not make up. This subplot made the movie even better.
While the script was good, the acting was better. Dennis Quaid was his usual hysterical self. He was able to balance the comedy and the drama very well. Topher Grace has finally grown up. Playing a character his own age, Grace was able to show that he too can play an adult and pull it off. Like in most of his performances, he was exceptional. Finally, Scarlett Johanssen's wonderful personality came through in the movie, yet again playing a slightly older part. Johanssen is one of the few young actors not taking parts in teen movies. She has proved that she belongs in the movies in which she performs and always does an excellent job.
In Good Company is a not some typical coming of age story. Carter grows as a person and begins to learn what he truly wants out of life. He created a successful life, however, without stopping to check if this is what he really wanted. Dan is able to help him find what he truly desires. All this happens in a company with layoffs and high stress takeover.
The film is not completely serious. There are numerous jokes throughout the movie. Most memorable is when Dan drives home and realizes a surprise party is being thrown for him. He then decides to walk in wearing only his boxer shorts. Other moments include Carter's overindulgence of caffeine and Dan attempting to play sports the way he did when he was a bit younger.
Overall, this is an excellent movie-not too sappy, but emotional and funny. This movie is recommendable to any person who enjoys such films as About a Boy or Four Weddings and a Funeral.