Personally, I don’t think I could do it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy lots and lots of money, just like the next person, but to put my friends, and family, through what the characters here go through, nope, no way Jose! I enjoy my quiet time, and my private time, and that, would basically be relegated to bathroom breaks, based upon this movie. I may become a coffee drinkin fool based upon that (oh, wait, I already am that..silly me)

Once I got these initial thoughts out of my head, I sat back and enjoyed things a bit more. The problem was, that Howard made the first part of this movie more humorous and satirical than the second half did. It was during this first part that I was contemplating, and putting myself into Ed’s shoes imagining what could be. By the time I snapped out of that, courtesy of some very funny sequences, including a new version of the chicken dance from Harrelson, the laughs were all but gone. They were basically relegated to whenever Martin Landau, as Ed’s wheelchair bound stepfather, appeared onscreen. Landau had the standout comic performance, but all of the characters in general, were well written and entertaining. Elfman is still as cute and adorable as ever, even when her natural spunk, energy and appearance are downplayed by a more emotion-filled role. McConaughey’s slow drawl, and playful, tip-o-the-hat manner is played up a bit more than he’s done in a while (I don’t count that silly over-the-top elephant movie either!) He just seems to be having fun here, as does the entire cast. Basically, they are entertaining, and well-written, not too deep but not too shallow. They are being real people!

This has long been a trademark on Ron Howard movies. He always makes them pleasant and entertaining movies. They are never shallow and empty, but also never really too deep, or conversation provoking. He doesn't usually tackle controversial subject matter, and its when he tries to make too much of a message, that he fails slightly. That is the case here as well. This movie works best, when it is lighthearted, satirical fun, with a serious message. When he tries to drive the message down your throat, as in a lot of movies lately, it's a bit too far. But that doesn't detract from the sheer joy of this movie. The characters and scenarios give this movie it's power, and even make a statement. Kudos to the use advertisements, progressing them from local, to national, as the show grows, but negative points, on the Elizabeth Hurley storyline, it seemed a bit pointless, even if it was done to show the effect of public opinion on the direction of a show. The movie would not have lost anything if that scene wasn’t included.