Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

I've been known to down-rate a picture because it was too predictable, but does predictability always have to equate to pedestrian? Not in this case. Good Advice is a cliche-ridden movie with an entirely foreseeable ending that also happens to be hella fun. From what I can gather this 2001 version is a remake of the 1993 version, which I don't believe I've seen. Doesn't matter. This just too much fun!

Charlie Sheen plays Ryan Turner, a stockbroker who ends up losing his job for various reasons, and who's ditzy girlfriend Cindy leaves him over it. See now, Cindy had an advice column at a small, struggling paper. She was about to get canned anyway because the column flat out sucked, but when she leaves for Brazil Ryan sees his chance and steps in to write.

Now, he's pretending that Cindy is just sick as he turns in her columns for her and picks up her pay checks. This makes it a bit awkward when he falls for the editor (Angie Harmon). The column becomes an instant hit and things get hilarious.

Sheen was at his best here. He's one of those guys that just has a great deal of fun with his roles. He doesn't take anything too serious and that's what makes his movies so much fun to watch...and yanno... it doesn't hurt that he's so damn good lookin! (Shut up, you knew that was coming!)

Angie Harmon (ADA Abbie Carmichael from TV's Law and Order) as Page Hensen, the owner/editor of the paper is no slouch herself. She throws down some great facial expressions! This gal had me just rollin'. The chemistry between her and Sheen was absolute perfection.

Jon Lovitz is the best friend, Barry Sherman, who is married to Cathy, played by Rosanna Arquette. Lovitz and Arquette. Dwell on that pairing a moment. How could it be anything less than side-splitting funny? Arquette plays her part way over the top on purpose against Lovitz low-key performance. Oh yeah. It was a thing of beauty.

The real star of this show though is Estelle Harris as Iris, Page's secretary. Harris played a role in the original too and because of that I need to go rent it. Harris is a crack up! She's the over-aged gal who knows all the dope and is just flirty as hell in all her over-made-up glory. That make up alone is something else. Who is she, you ask? Why none other than George Costanza's momma, Estelle, on TV's Seinfeld.

Directed by Steve Rash, this movie is perfectly paced and filled with sly innuendos which some of you may think your kids shouldn't hear... but it really made the whole thing a lot more fun for me to watch. Rash did The Buddy Holly Story and a few others but nothing since Good Advice. Shame, that. I loved how he let the cast have a blast with the material. I got the feeling he may have let them ad lib a bit. I wouldn't swear to that, but either way it all worked.

This one runs 93 minutes and is rated R in the US due to the inuendos and some sexual situations. I'd say 14 and up, myself. There really wasn't any nudity.. some ummm hmm extremely implied funny sex. You would have to see it to understand what I mean so watch it first, then decide if your kid can handle it.

If you are in the mood for a movie that will amuse you without making you have to think too hard, then Good Advice is your baby. I laughed out loud numerous times at the antics and was left with a general good feeling when it ended. Sometimes, that's all ya want a movie to do.






Recommended: Yes

Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older