Good Advice

"Good Advice" doesn't try to be anything it is not, and knowing its limitations makes it a good watch.

Charlie Sheen plays a disgraced stockbroker who was set up and loses his job, then his girlfriend (Denise Richards), who leaves him and the country, as well as her job as an advice columnist, behind. Sheen's character is desperate for money so he takes over the column under "Dear Cyndy's" name. Richards gives an over-the-top performance as the super-hot golddigger whose column wasn't making waves, or money. Sheen takes the job more seriously (since he needs the money), and the movie focuses on his evolution from a Type-A jerk into a new-age sensitive man in touch with his feminine side.

As with any movie of this type, the plot and ending are pretty easy guesses, but the key is in the performances, and the entire cast is strong. Jon Lovitz plays the loyal friend (a plastic surgeon), while Rosanna Arquette is convincing as his materialistic wife and Cyndy's emotional support. The characters are more like what you'd find in real life rather than Hollywood, in that they weren't niced up the way many who move in the world of fiction are.

While I wouldn't be moved to see this film in a theater (it went straight to video), if nothing else is on cable, I might give it another watch. The movie has enough staying power to ensure that you'll be able to find it on cable for many years to come.

Good comedy is rare. One of its requirements is that it still be as crisp and enjoyable after three viewings. This one works. While the flick taxes reality, the characters would be very much at home in today's world. The generational interaction created by the superb Estelle Harris and her spicy lines give this movie zip. Without her and despite the well qualified Harmon and Sheen, the movie would have fallen flat. Supporting cast is crucial in good comedy. There is a most plentiful supply here. Charlie Sheen's metamorphizing role from a selfish uncaring cad to a human is smooth. The sensuous Angie Harmon has emphasis and timing that are at once breathtaking. I hope she continues in comedy. The music score is contemporary but distinctive. I hope it comes out in DVD.

I bought the DVD at the local video store and nearly passed it up: after all, there are never any good movies in the sales section, are there? Well, this one definitely is good.

The Story: Ryan is a Wall Street Broker and a real big asshole (as his friend states: "huge would be an understatement"). But after losing his job and his girlfriend leaving him for a richer guy, he has to pay the rent somehow. And the only job he can lay his hands on is writing his girlfriend's "Ask Cindy"-column. And after dropping all his machismo the column even turns out successful.... (But before the end of course he still has to get his revenge for losing his job and also to get a new girlfriend. Wouldn't be a comedy otherwise, would it?)

While not the very best of movies, it is very and funny and also has a few memorable quotes. I personally liked the way the camera followed Ryan's butt several times which was quite refreshing to all the times a camera drops down a woman's neckline (even though my husband pointed out the camera did follow Page every time she leaned forward to get up from her chair).

For me, the movie was actually rather hurtful: I like to clap my hands or slap my knees at scenes which I really like. And after the movie, my hands hurt!

If you can get past the immorality and a little language, the movie is pretty watchable. The acting was respectable, especially liked Angie Harmon and Rosanna Arquette. Don't recall the actor's name who played Rosanna's husband, but he was quite fun to watch, as well. There may even be a few lessons to be learned, as far as honesty and integrity... lessons to be learned by the viewers, that is, as I don't believe that, even in the end, the main character really caught on to them.

We don't find very many movies on TV here in Saudi Arabia that we can last through the first ten minutes of, but we managed to stay tuned to all of this one, so I guess that says something for it :)

"Good Advice" tells of a down and out ex-stock broker (Sheen) who takes over his girl friend's advice column leading to love, success, and much fun. With a zinger every few seconds, funny characters and situations, a clever story with a feel good conclusion, "Good Advice" makes for a fresh and fun watch. In the absence of hype and considering the talent behind the film, "GA" qualifies as a "sleeper" and should be a pleasant surprise for most who manage to snag it on cable.