Parents' Guide to Best Sellers

Even though it stars the popular Plaza, this comedy about unlikely allies who share a common goal but can't get on the same page doesn't have the kind of laughs that typically appeal to teens. As Lucy, Plaza plays against type as the "straight (wo)man" who's earnestly confounded by how she's led her family's prominent publishing house into failure. From her perspective, she's done everything right: She attended great schools, got straight As, and studied under the best: her dad. The "spoiled daughter who adores her rich daddy" is a stock character (and usually portrayed in an unflattering way), but screenwriter Anthony Greico gives Lucy depth and authenticity. She's wealthy but understands the value of a dollar, staying in one-star motels on the book tour without even wrinkling her nose, and risking her own financial security to save the family business. Her cute ex (Scott Speedman) keeps coming around with a respectful offer to buy the publishing house, complete with a clear message that he'd like to get her in the bargain. He's offering her an easy, appealing way out, but she refuses to be a damsel in distress who requires saving. As we encourage kids by telling them "you can do anything," it may be helpful for teens to see that even for those who are set up for success, success doesn't automatically follow.

Lucy is a somewhat original character, but she's paired with a more typical foil. Shaw is both a diva celebrity and a grumpy old man. As outrageously difficult as he may be, celebrity publicists are likely to concede that his behavior isn't out of the realm of possibility. The two main characters in Best Sellers are so complete that what transpires between them is inevitable, if not predictable. The film follows the beats of a buddy road-trip comedy -- polar opposites forced to work and travel together -- and while you sort of know where it's going to land, the journey is unfamiliar.