In Good Company works with an engaging premise of two sharply contrasting characters having to work together in the distressing circumstances of modern corporate restructuring. The film presents itself as an humanistic critique of neo-liberal business practices, but refuses to follow its own logic as a critical social analysis. Instead it turns to the narrative conventions of the feel-good comedy genre, which makes the plot unconvincing and flat.
Still, the interesting point of departure carries the film unexpectedly far. In Good Company features some clever social observation and witty dialogue, and some of the humour is delightfully anarchistic and light-hearted. Where the film really surprises positively is with its woody-allenesque changing of perspective, which persuades the viewer to understand and feel not only for the 51-year-old veteran but also for his new boss, a 26-year-old go-getter. Both Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace succeed in claiming the viewer's sympathies, thanks partly to their well-timed acting and partly to the way Weitz chooses to show their "behind-the-scenes" reactions after some awkward social situations. This, of course, unmasks the characters and makes them more likable.
Warm-hearted comedy is always a risky genre with its conventions, clichés, stereotypical characters and annoying happy-endings. Paul Weitz, however, manages to turn the tough circumstances in his favor with some good narrative choices and overall honesty. And, as the bar is set pretty low from the beginning, even the feel-good ending fails to ruin the day.
Still, the interesting point of departure carries the film unexpectedly far. In Good Company features some clever social observation and witty dialogue, and some of the humour is delightfully anarchistic and light-hearted. Where the film really surprises positively is with its woody-allenesque changing of perspective, which persuades the viewer to understand and feel not only for the 51-year-old veteran but also for his new boss, a 26-year-old go-getter. Both Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace succeed in claiming the viewer's sympathies, thanks partly to their well-timed acting and partly to the way Weitz chooses to show their "behind-the-scenes" reactions after some awkward social situations. This, of course, unmasks the characters and makes them more likable.
Warm-hearted comedy is always a risky genre with its conventions, clichés, stereotypical characters and annoying happy-endings. Paul Weitz, however, manages to turn the tough circumstances in his favor with some good narrative choices and overall honesty. And, as the bar is set pretty low from the beginning, even the feel-good ending fails to ruin the day.