First film I paid to see in 2005, and it was money well spent.

The reason. It's smart. Not Einstein smart, or even Usual Suspects smart but still...it's not teen movie dumb. I'm not against teen movie dumb. There are good dumb teen movies like The Girl Next Door or American Pie. That's my segue way into letting you know the director of In Good Company also directed American Pie.

I laughed at this film and part of me appreciates the fact that there wasn't a single dick or fart joke...in fact, the film barely steps into anything crude save for one (pretty funny) ass joke involving Dennis Quaid.

And that is (in my eyes) the star of the film. A lot is being said about Topher Grace's film role being a breakthrough. The truth is, his breakthrough role was That 70's Show, this just shows he can play a nice blend of drama and comedy. Topher is excellent in this film, don't take it as if I am putting him down...but he has always been good even in smaller roles/films like Traffic, Ocean's Eleven and Win A Date With Tad Hamilton.

But this is Dennis Quaid's film when it comes down to it. Sure there is a sub-story between Topher and Scarlet Johansson but the film is at its best when the 'buddy' aspect of the film is taking place. From the beginning we know the score...old vs. young, synergy vs. old school business, and wanting a son vs. needing a father figure...but watching these two characters come to understand and like one another is not just entertaining, it's painful. At least, watching how effortlessly Quaid makes Dan come to life as a real character and watching him play every beat of comedy and drama is just a joy to watch.

That said, there is one other person who needs a special note of attention. David Paymer. A small role of a man being downsized, but what he captures in the one real scene he shares with Dennis Quaid is so good you wonder how you can watch some whole films and never see such character development in two hours that you witness in this one scene.

A great film? Naw, but entertaining and one worth seeing. 4 stars out of 5.

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Copyright© Written By: Rob Paul
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