At last, Hollywood gives us a good-hearted, funny movie that’s entertaining without insulting our intelligence. “In Good Company” turns the corner on predictability by focusing on the middle-aged male in the story. At that delicate fifty-something point when turmoil at work or home can send some men of a certain age running for Mexico, a nymph, or a red convertible, salesman Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid) negotiates his problems with style, grace, and – oh, all right – just once, a strong upper right to the face.

    Dan’s life takes a sudden uncomfortable turn when he least expects it. At work, he’s demoted from head of the ad division to “wing man” for a new twenty-six year old boss (Topher Grace). At home, his over-protective nature works overtime as pre-pubescent daughter Jana (Zena Grey) enters the dating game. Older daughter Alex (Scarlett Johansson) solidifies her independence with a transfer to NYU, Manhattan mecca of drugs, sex, rock and roll. Another curve ball comes when wife Ann (Marg Helgenberger) announces the ultimate surprise: she’s pregnant.

    To his great credit, Dan makes the most of it all. He tries hard to put everything in perspective, holding on to his self-assertiveness at a time when he’s actually in control of very little. His relationship with the new hot-shot boss Carter Duryea (Topher Grace) falls apart about the same time that Dan uncovers his worst fear. Alex has a lover, and his name is Carter Duryea.

    The bumps and struggles make the journey fun, but the real tour de force occurs in the scenes between Dennis Quaid and Topher Grace. Quaid seems tailor-made for this role, and he delivers a strong and balanced performance. Even at his most cynical times, he plays into the moment, earning respect rather than pity.

    Topher Grace learned his comedic timing from hundreds on on-screen hours in That 70’s Show, and his subtle delivery always works. Grace brings a vulnerability to this role that sustains the chemistry and makes his character’s relationship with Alex completely believable. He’s just geeky enough to be loveable.

    Don’t look for the typical pat ending that seems to plague most romantic comedies. I kept waiting for that moment when the plot dives to the murky depths of unlikely happenstance to set things in motion for a tidy ending. It’s refreshing to be surprised.

    When “In Good Company” arrives at a theater near you, make a point to see it. It’s a good date movie – if you’re in good company.

    See you at the movies!

Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and drug references