I've been tracking this flick practically since I saw Lost in Translation, back when it was called Synergy, because I had become so interested in the works of Scarlett Johansson. She stars in this with Dennis Quaid as her father, and That 70's Show's Topher Grace in an absolute star-making performance as Quaid's hotshot up-and-coming boss, put into place by a large corporation who took over Quaid's company. The film has a serious Jerry Maguire feel to it, especially in Topher's performance. We follow him on a journey of professional as well as emotional self-awakening. He plays the character as utterly likable, even when he's being a total ass at the start of the film. Watching him transform into what we know he has the potential to be was a moving and realistic metamorphosis which Grace managed to nail in every aspect of his dialogue deliveries and body language. I don't mean to slight Quaid and Johansson here, but Grace was really the star, and is certainly an early contender for, if not top 5 performance of the year, then certainly break out star of the year.
Storywise, numerous stabs are taken at the impersonal and harmful aspect of large corporations taking over smaller, more intimate ones. It deals with the changing climate in corporate america where the "old dinosaurs" are being knocked down in favor of younger, more savvy, technologically proficient young guns (and for that matter, what to do when those "young guns" start cavorting with the dinosaurs daughters). Also called into question, and probably the most important and moving message of the film, was an emphasis on caring and passion for every aspect of your life, be it family, career, or anything else. That is such a key stepping stone on the road to true happiness. (One other note, the soundtrack is awesome. Very "garden state-esque.)
8.5/10 Awesomes
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