The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard - 2009

Paramount Vantage, Gary Sanchez Productions, Kevin Messick Productions

Directed by Neal Brennan

Cast:

Don Ready – Jeremy Piven

Jibby Newsome – Ving Rhames

Ben Selleck – James Brolin

Brent Gage – David Koechner

Babs Merrick – Kathryn Hahn

Paxton Harding – Ed Helms

Ivy Selleck – Jordana Spiro

Stu Harding – Alan Thicke

Dick Lewiston – Charles Napier

Blake – Jonathan Sadowski

Story: A used car dealership in Temecula, California is facing hard times. If they don't sell cars, Ben Selleck will have to sell his dealership and fire all the employees. So he makes a last minute decision that will forever affect the way he does business, he hires a traveling crew of professional car sharks, headed by Don “The Goods” Ready. Don's crew of four show up ready to blast the dealership, and end up taking a bet to sell every car on the lot in three days, or sell the dealership to a local BMW dealer. Don is a rover, never thinking about settling down, and he has just lost his best friend in Albuquerque, but he takes the challenge and discovers his real destiny in Temecula, California.

Review: Plot? Who says a comedy needs a plot? Apparently no one ever told Andy Stock or Rick Stemson, but that doesn't seem to matter much. The Goods is an absolutely hilarious look at the irreverent business of selling used cars that hasn't been addressed this well since “Cadillac Man” or “Used Cars”.

They picked the perfect cast for this side splitter. Jeremy Piven is one of those guys who can pull off the two-dimensional character with finesse. His portrayal of Don Ready is the perfect lead for this cast of unlikely car salesmen trying to save the failing dealership. Ving Rhames plays his role with audacity, as do both Kathryn Hahn and David Koechner, all three exceptional comedians in their own right.

Seeing Alan Thicke and James Brolin in the film, along with Wendie Mallck, reminds us that older actors may not take the stage often, but when they do, they know their stuff. While their roles are brief, they are exceptional and add the right amount of balance to the film.

All in all, while I don't see this film walking away with any Oscars, it is an entertaining adult comedy with some great lines and a few scenes so ridiculous they are priceless. The kiddies need to be in bed or out playing in the yard though. Rated a serious R of language and nudity. Oh, don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for a cameo by the ever hot Gina Gershon.