In Good Company
Release Date:
December 29, 2004
Limited release
Movie of the Day for Wednesday, September 1, 2004
See other Movies of the Day
On the Big Board |
| Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
| 11/126 |
Kim Hollis |
I probably over-relate to the film because I'm in advertising myself, but it worked really well for me. Charming. |
| 125/133 |
Dan Krovich |
So promising, yet so bad |
Now that the Weitz brothers have redefined the teen movie genre with the American Pie series and created one of the most charming films of the decade in About a Boy, it's time for a follow-up. And it's all about synergy.
In the movie, Dennis Quaid plays a middle-aged ad exec named Dan Foreman whose life is in serious flux. Not only has he been demoted as head of ad sales for the magazine where he works, but the company that owns the magazine is also acquired in a corporate takeover. Making matters worse, Dan's new boss, Tom (Topher Grace), is only half his age. The young man is a brilliant young business school prodigy with a serious focus on corporate synergy.
Dan and Tom's approaches to sales and business dealings are in direct conflict. Dan maintains and develops his clientele the traditional way - through handshake deals and relationship selling. Tom, on the other hand, cross-promotes the magazine with the company's cell phone division and a snack food that is handled under the same umbrella. Again, it's all about synergy!
As if the divergence at work isn't enough, both Dan and Tom are experiencing turmoil in their lives at home. Dan, who already has two daughters aged 18 and 16, is shocked by the news that his wife is newly pregnant. Now, he's not only facing college tuition and a mortgage, but also a brand new mouth to feed. And Dan has the added stress of potential corporate layoffs looming over his head to make matters worse.
Meanwhile, Tom's wife of seven months unceremoniously dumps him right as he receives his big promotion. He begins an affair with Dan's older daughter, Alex (Scarlett Johansson), which creates even more tension in his already delicate relationship with his work subordinate. From there, the film will meander through its character-driven tale to examine life's surprises, ironies and extreme coincidences. (Kim Hollis/BOP)
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