Ricky (Jeff Goldblum) has all the trappings of a successful life as a television executive at the Good Buy Shopping Network (GBSN). But underneath he is a self-doubting, egocentric, and lonely soul. Ratings are down, according to his boss McBainbridge (Robert Loggia), and Kate (Kelly Preston), a media analyst, has been brought in to revamp the network.
The trajectory of Ricky's life is set on a new course after he meets "G" (Eddie Murphy) who is on a spiritual pilgrimage. Upon learning that Ricky's career is hanging by a thread, this inspirational guru decides to help him out. "G" is a natural in front of the camera — only instead of hawking goods, he speaks about the spiritual values of love, connections, creativity, and the beauty of the earth. In one of his homilies, he asks, Which kind of person would you rather be, a Baywatch beauty or the Dalai Lama? In another he suggests that we find meaning in our lives through relationships with those we love, not through stuff. His is the old scriptural message — "One's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions" — in new form.
This comedy was written by Tom Schulman (Dead Poet's Society) and directed by Stephen Herek (Mr. Holland's Opus). "G" is a holy fool who likes to have fun and has a yen for show business. His unsettling presence in Ricky's empty life has its intended effect; he helps him to eventually see that love is more enriching than anything money can buy.