Good Advice

Ever see a movie that was way better than you expected it to be? (For example, "Fools Rush In" with Matthew Perry) Good Advice is one of those movies HBO will probably show over and over, and I'll watch it every time it's on! Ma-Sheen turns in a great performance, as does Jon Lovitz, and Angie Harmon is as gorgeous as ever. A fun movie, any day of the week.

"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.

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.

"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.

Charlie Sheen is so lovable as Ryan in this movie! This is one of his best movies, of course after the epic Major League and Hot Shots. He's plays well with Denise Richards, although she was painfully wrongfully cast as Cindy. His subsequent relationship with Page is much more entertaining. I enjoyed Page's secretary and all her one-liners and blatant innuendos directed at Ryan. Charlie played the fallen business man very well. I adored Rosanna Arquette and still maintain that she is the only talented one in that family. Her relationship with her plastic surgeon husband was so funny... perhaps even more funny than Charlie's desperation. This film is a must-rent!