Le courtier du coeur

"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 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.

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.

It takes a lot for me to enjoy a romantic comedy I usually don't. But "Good Advice" is one of the few that I would recommend. It is funny! The whole movie too. This is so well written and directed that there is not a dull moment anywhere in it. The actors are ALL perfectly cast with Charlie Sheen, Denise Richards and Barry Newman especially so. What is really good about this film is that the writers concentrated on the humorous storyline about the lovelorn column deception and not pad it out with unneeded romantic scenes between the two main characters. The film reminds me of those type of "frothy" comedies they made in the 1960's (without the heavy sexual humor that this film has of course) and because of it's unique blend of comedy, light romance and pathos the makers ended up with a witty highly entertaining movie.

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!