Grade: A- | Genre: Comedy Summary: In Good Company is film of subtle intricacies. It's not an exaggerated attempt to woo the academy but an honest look into one's humility and how they are able to cope with the adversities that present themselves. You may be too young and too sure of yourself to realize this, but in just a few years, when corporate America sees you for your age rather than your work, some hotshot rookie will swoop in and take over the position you worked so long and hard to build. Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid) is approaching 52 and has just found out that his company, Sports America, has been bought out by super media conglomerate, Globecom. The executive position that he has nurtured and developed over the years will now be handed over to 26 year old, Carter Duryea (Topher Grace), forcing Dan to cope with adjustments not only to his professional life, but to his personal life as well...all because of an inexperience but eager executive with age on his side.

Dan is a seasoned salesman who relies on the same old sales tactics that have gotten him so far and the personal connections with clients he's developed over the years. He's an old pro comfortable with his work and in no mood to deal with a corporate shake up.

Carter has quickly climbed the executive ladder with his tenacity and hard work ethic and is a valuable asset to Globecom. On news of the buy out, Carter is propelled to Ad Sales Manager at Sports America, the position that Dan currently holds, and is "psyched" to start the position with the determination of a "ninja assassin."

When Dan asks Carter, "So what experience do you have in Ad Sales?" Carter responds, "None, but I'm a fast learner." Obviously, this doesn't sit well with Dan who must not only accept an undeserved demotion but also ingest a shot to his professional achievements.

In Good Company Starring: Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, Scarlett Johansson, and Marg Helgenberger Director: Paul Weitz BUY OR RENT IT NOW! You may also like... Closer Finding Neverland Email this article to a friend

In Good Company is film of subtle intricacies. It's not an exaggerated attempt to woo the academy but an honest look into one's humility and how they are able to cope with the adversities that present themselves. One of the more interesting aspects of the film is how Dan and Carter's lives are contrasted against one another. Director Paul Weitz does a solid job of showing how different Dan and Carter are on the surface, but underneath is all, are taking similar paths of self-discovery. Dennis Quaid brings an "everyman" sensibility to all the roles he chooses and you feel you've known him for so long, a quality from which the film benefits. Topher Grace brings a slightly older but still twitchy version of his That 70's Show alter Ego Eric Foreman, and both he and Quaid are endearing enough to have us easily vested in their characters. Scarlett Johansen's minimalist approach is an interesting display of how effective one's performance is just by being on the screen. Similar to Natalie Portman, she is able to play to the audience's fascination of her and somehow brightens an otherwise dim role.

Though the last act is a bit contrived, the film still works even as it goes against the typical happy "Hollywood" ending that everyone wants. Usually, we like to give credit to films that go against formula, but In Good Company isn't a profound enough film to not give us the squishy feel good ending. You'll have to check it out for yourself to see what I mean. This is film that touches on our insecurities of professional stability and helps us to find redemption in our own self-worth. Don't miss it!