Good Advice

"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.

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!

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.

Sometimes you just want to sit back and laugh, and who better to give you those laughs than Charlie Sheen. He is a ladies man just like "Two and a Half Men", but this time he screwed the wrong woman and lost it all.

After future wife Denise Richards leaves him, he has to find gainful employment. He sneaks his way into writing an advice column.

Estelle Harris was hilarious as the editor's (Angie Harmon) secretary. Harmon was funny, too.

Jon Lovitz gives plenty of laughs as his best bud, and who knew Rosanna Arquette could be so funny? Paybacks are fun and funny.

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 :)