Holy Man 1998

Ricky Hayman, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, and Kate Newell, played by Kelly Preston, are both employees at the Good Buy Shopping Network, a home shopping channel overseen by John McBainbridge, a character brought to life by Robert Loggia. Ricky is characterized by his flirtatious nature with the models and impulsiveness, which unfortunately leads to financial setbacks for the network, leaving him struggling to keep up with his car payments and personal finances. Feeling the pressure, Ricky approaches John, asking for a raise.

With sales plummeting over the past 27 months under Ricky’s stewardship, John has a new strategy, bringing in Kate to rejuvenate sales. He presents Ricky with a daunting ultimatum: increase product sales by 8% within two weeks or face termination. Kate emphasizes the need for clear differentiation among their channels and urges for improved presenters and sales techniques to attract customers. Tension fills the air as Ricky perceives Kate as a rival, and she distinctly expresses her disdain for him as well. However, both are aware of the stakes at hand.

One day, while driving after suffering a tire blowout, Ricky and Kate encounter a peculiar and ever-cheerful man named “G,” played by Eddie Murphy, who appears in white robes. As Ricky accidentally nearly runs him over, G faints from shock and is taken to the hospital by the duo. Seemingly attuned to Ricky’s inner turmoil, G later follows them to the Good Buy studio, thanking them for covering his hospital expenses.

When G unexpectedly joins an infomercial set, his outrageous charm draws in an unprecedented number of customer calls, boosting sales for the network. During a segment about synthetic laundry detergent balls, G relates to two elderly women, sharing his experiences and even offering his stained Kurta for a demonstration. 

Fearing G intends to sue him, Ricky offers him cash for accommodation, but Kate suggests G stay at her home instead. This moment hints at Ricky’s growing feelings for Kate, further complicating relationships among the trio. Hoping to impress key distributors at a party he throws, Ricky invites Kate, who includes Scott Hawkes, portrayed by Eric McCormack, to assist with securing vital connections.

G, introduced as Ricky’s ‘yoga guy’, mesmerizes the guests, even managing to cure a distributor’s fear of flying through hypnosis. With this newfound success, Ricky persuades John to allow G to sell products on the show. G’s spontaneous infomercials become a sensation, resonating with viewers as he discusses self-acceptance and the absence of material needs. Despite this success, John dismisses Ricky, but Kate, recognizing the sales surge brought by G, secures him a dedicated time slot on the network, preserving Ricky’s job.

As mutual animosities fade, Ricky and Kate’s attraction intensifies. Yet, the whirlwind of G’s burgeoning fame takes a toll on both him and Ricky. When Scott launches a smear campaign searching for dirt on G’s past, it leads to revelations about G’s supposed family through a woman named Grace, who later admits to lying for a payout. With the truth revealed, G loses his once-happy demeanor.

As G’s vitality wanes, Kate resigns out of frustration when John refuses to let G leave. Although Ricky enjoys a promotion and revels in heightened sales rewards, these accomplishments feel meaningless without G’s earlier spirit, and Kate’s growing distance becomes painfully evident.

On the highly-anticipated night of G’s new show, Ricky undergoes a personal transformation and chooses to sever ties with G, announcing his decision live on air. This heartfelt moment prompts Kate to forgive him, leading her back to the studio for a romantic reunion in front of the audience. In the end, they bid farewell to the revitalized G, who quietly walks away, continuing his journey into the horizon.