Review: Mad Money

Score:C+

Director:Callie Khouri

Cast:Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes

Running Time:104 Minutes

Rated:PG-13

All their lives Bridget, Nina and Jackie have played by the rules; but when Bridget derives the perfect plan to smuggle soon-to-be-destroyed cash out of the Federal Reserve, all three girls begin to see green. As the unlikely trio begin to accumulate piles and piles of cash it looks as if they have pulled off the perfect crime "“ until a major mishap alerts the authorities. Now the group must work to stay one step ahead of the law as they live their life of newfound luxury.

Though somewhat cheesy and downright unbelievable Mad Money actually works as the film carries the support it needs to appeal to audiences across the board.

If there is one thing that I have to commend this film on it is its casting. Diane Keaton is on top of her game as she plays the stuck-up, rich hungry Bridget. Bringing arrogance and a sense of self pity to the screen Keaton pulls off her character perfectly, making you want to believe that her actions and emotions are all true. In addition Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes play the single mom paper shredder and the dancing case girl to a tee. And what is most shocking of all is that all three come together to form a friendship that the audience believe. In layman's terms "“ the cast works.

Additionally I have to say that the story was strong. Though somewhat cheesy and extremely overplayed, it was solid as it showed three women, all in desperate measures, do something that they never thought possible "“ commit a federal crime. Sure there are dry moments, and to be honest I never was on the edge of my seat; however I was entertained and when it comes to a movie, that tends to be the most important thing.

In the end I have to admit that Mad Money surprised me. Expecting a washed-up chick flick I was introduced to a fun, enjoyable film that will easily find its way with all audiences.

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About Stephen Davis

Stephen Davis
I owe this hobby/career to the one and only Stephanie Peterman who, while interning at Fox, told me that I had too many opinions and irrelevant information to keep it all bottled up inside. I survived my first rated R film, Alive, at the ripe age of 8, it took me months to grasp the fact that Julia Roberts actually died at the end of Steel Magnolias, and I might be the only person alive who actually enjoyed Sorority Row…for its comedic value of course. While my friends can drink you under the table, I can outwatch you when it comes iconic, yet horrid 80s films like Adventures in Babysitting and Troop Beverly Hills. I have no shame when it comes to what I like, and if you have a problem with that, then we’ll settle it on the racquetball court. I see too many movies to actually win any film trivia contest, so don’t waste your first pick on me. My friends rent movies from my bookcase shelves, and one day I do plan to start charging. I long to live in LA, where my movie obsession will actually help me fit in, but for now I am content with my home in Austin. I prefer indies to blockbusters, Longhorns to Sooners and Halloween to Friday the 13th. I miss the classics, as well as John Ritter, and I hope to one day sit down and interview the amazing Kate Winslet.

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