In Good Company

Review by Gareth Von Kallenbach

Carter Duryea (Topher Grace) is a man with goals. At 26, he is the head of cell phone sales of a major company, and from the outset, is seemingly being groomed for bigger and better things.

Carter's ticket gets another splash of gold when his company acquires another mega company, resulting in his placement in the recently acquired Sports magazine division.

The Sports publication is seen as the jewel of the newly acquired company, and even though he has zero experience with selling magazine advertisement, Carter is sure he can meet the lofty goals his boss has set.

It should be celebration time for Carter, but unfortunately it's not. Though his career might be taking off, life at home is more on the rocks than a glass of Daniels.

Seems his 7-month marriage to Kimberly (Selma Blair) is on the verge of going kaboom - and that mounting pile of work on Carter's desk is doing nothing to help.

Enter Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid), a father of two daughters and devoted family man, who has been a salesperson at the magazine for twenty years. He's just got the biggest kick in the pants: Someone half his age is now ordering him around.

But for how long?

A touching, funny, and at times bittersweet look at life, love, business, and friendship, In Good Company does a remarkable job of painting realistic characters into a very feasible situation. In addition, there's a good script, solid direction by Paul Weitz, and top performances by all the leads, in tow.

Company bares a very important message: What is really important in life is happiness, security and love, not position and material goods.

Easily the best film of 2005.

5 out of 5

In Good Company
Australian release: Thursday 21st of April, 2005
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Scarlett Johansson, Selma Blair, Clark Gregg.
Director: Paul Weitz.
Website: Click here.

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