Review of In Good Company (2000) by Shane M — 16 Mar 2014

Full of the wit and craft you'd expect from the co-writer and co-director of About A Boy. In Good Company follows a middle-aged advertising exec whose company is bought out by a large international corporation, leaving him with a new boss nearly half his age.

This film takes an interesting look at business today, which includes new young geniuses joining, and some even getting high positions due to intelligence and work ethic. It also looks at what business is truly about, but as it's a comedy, it doesn't fail to make audiences laugh, even if it's not as funny as American Pie (another film co-directed by Peter Weir) due to a PG-13 rating.

Paul Weitz builds around an interesting concept by adding in a romance element (kinda weird, but does help Topher Grace's character), and tons of laughs and emotion, along with a look at the lives of its two main characters, who have undeniable chemistry, even with significant age difference.

Weir also brings the film to life with the perfect setting and timing, crafting one if his best solo efforts in his career. Dennis Quaid is perfect as an aging, experienced business man, while Topher Grace is perfect alongside Quaid as a young genius who takes interest in his daughter, with a great portrayal by Scarlett Johansson.

Topher's character quite possibly symbolizes young geniuses or geniuses who started businesses or were involved with business at a young age (Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerburg, and Bill Gates), showing people that anyone, no matter what their age, can do amazing contributions to society, and prove what the youth of the world can accomplish.

A little hard to like, but I think it's a must-see for audiences.