Mad Money: Movie Review

Starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes, Mad Money takes an illegal concept and runs wild with it. Don't get me wrong, that's not to say the movie is bad by any means. In fact I enjoyed myself so much, I forgot that I was watching a movie. That's a major feat for any film nowadays.

What is Mad Money about?

It's about three women who are desperate for a little green, something to make their lives better. Keaton plays Bridget Cardigan, Latifah plays Nina Brewster, and Holmes plays Jackie Truman. Bridget was relatively rich, living off of her husband, Don (Ted Danson). When Don loses his job, throws them in debt and sends Bridget to work at a Federal Reserve Bank, things start rolling. The amount of cash going in and going out of the bank is almost overwhelming for her. Nina is a single mother who just wants the best for her two boys. Jackie is a recluse, living with her boyfriend in a trailer, constantly listening to music and constantly optimistic. Don't be surprised if you think this incredibly free-spirited girl looks like a ditz. But the funny thing is that Jackie is pretty smart.

After things start rolling, Bridget looks for a partner or several partners who could help her rob the "Feds". This is where Nina and Jackie fit in perfectly. I'm not going to bore you with the detail on how they do it, but it at least appears to be the easiest robbery in the world. Bridget, Nina and Jackie start sharing this secret with their loved ones, and things start to get hot. The question is what will happen to these criminal masterminds? Will they get caught? If they do, what's going to be the punishment? Could somebody they know be a rat? You'll have to see it for yourselves to find all of the answers.

My thoughts

I could say that the plan seems fool-proof. I could say what these three women are doing is right. I could say what they're doing is wrong too. But the fact of the matter is no matter how you stand on crime in any form, it's just a movie. And Mad Money is a rollicking good time. You've got believable performances by Keaton, Holmes and Latifah. You've got some great laughs and some scenes that will make your heart just swell up. It's not touching, but it's sweet.

Final thoughts

Avoid certain movies about monsters in New York or gun battles in the Middle East. Avoid movies about dresses or cheesy, unbelievable love stories. Go line up at your local movie theater, and purchase a ticket for Mad Money. I seriously doubt you'll be disappointed. But the best way to enjoy this movie is by not taking the subject matter too seriously.

Also, so far this year, Mad Money and The Bucket List are among my favorites. But the year has just begun.