Sometimes you can find the most wonderful little surprises in the cheapo bins at your local discount store. Oh, yes, we all know the store I'm referring to here. Some of those bins are filled to the brim with videos and DVDs, just begging to be taken home and enjoyed. At least you hope that you'll enjoy them. Once in a while you find a real stinker. Let me tell you about the one I found the other day.
The cover drew my eye right away. There was Sandra Bullock with her beautiful smile. I have a pretty good collection of her films, most of which I've enjoyed, but this was one that was not familiar to me. The title of it is A Fool and His Money, released back in 1989. And just for the record, it also goes by the title Religion, Inc..
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The story begins with a good-looking young fella, Morris Codman, an ad-exec, sitting in a meeting. He's attempting to promote his commercial for toilet paper to the owners of the company. The ad that he has created displays beautiful works of art. His tagline..."Doesn't your bottom deserve a Rembrandt?". Gag, gag, gag...
Obviously, Morris isn't exactly what you'd consider successful. Later that evening he goes to a bar and leaves with a bottle in hand. After getting attacked in an alley and having his clothes stolen, he finally manages to get home, where he falls into a drunken stupor on the couch. In the middle of the night his television mysteriously comes to life. There on the screen is God. God is playing tennis. Okayyyyyyyy.
After his conversation with God, Morris is inspired to try a new venture. He has decided that he is going to create a religious foundation, a very lucrative one, one that is a bit different from the norm. It will be called the Preferrant Society. It's concept is one of total selfishness, one that says you must always "look out for number one". It requires that people put aside all of their former beliefs of kindness, humanity and forgiveness.
Morris is going to need a Leader for this new denomination so he begins interviewing prospective clients. He finally finds the perfect candidate in the face of the office janitor. What follows is their rise and fall into and out of the arena of Televised Evangelism. Exactly how they rise and how they fall isn't new or interesting or unique.
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Jonathan Penner plays the role of Morris Codman. This was his first film, and after watching it, I have to wonder how he was ever offered another acting job. He's cute as a button, for sure. Looks will only take a person just so far, though. Then again, there's Hugh Grant and Sharon Stone. Ok, forget I said that.
Sandra Bullock plays Debby, the girlfriend of Morris. She isn't seen that often, in a minor role. Funny how the makers of the film proudly display her face on the cover, though. Obviously they were hoping her popularity would generate some sales. And I guess they were right, when you think about it. Hey, I bought it. ...kick, kick, kick....
Gerald Orange is Dr. Ian Clarity, the janitor turned Preacher. As much as it would be nice to say that he does a good job here, I just can't. George Plimpton plays the role of tennis-playing God. He's probably the only member of the cast that gives a somewhat entertaining performance.
And speaking of the cast list, it's rather long. There were quite a few folks that contributed to this film. I think most of them would be embarrassed, though, if I should mention them. So I'll be nice.
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Let's just cut to the chase here. I'm not a discriminating person when it comes to movies. Actually, I'm pretty forgiving in most cases. I simply want to be entertained. I want to forget the dishes, the laundry, the fact that I have to go back to work tomorrow. All they have to do is "take me away", yanno, kind of like Calgon or Mr. Bubble. When a film actually makes me wish I WERE doing the laundry, or the dishes, or heaven forbid, back at work,....then that's not a good thing.
A Fool and His Money runs for 84 minutes....that's about 83 minutes too long. It is rated R, but you really don't have to worry about the kiddies watching it. Within moments of the opening credits they will be begging to go outside and cut the grass. Hmmmmmm.....ok, maybe I should change my recommendation to a big yes. Not for the movie, but for the sake of the lawn.
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