The 2008 film “Mad Money,” starring Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes, offers a comedic take on a serious crime: robbing the Federal Reserve. This article delves into the plot, cast, and critical reception of this heist comedy.
The Mad Money Movie Plot: A Victimless Crime?
“Mad Money” follows the lives of three women working at the Federal Reserve who find themselves in desperate financial situations. Diane Keaton plays Bridget Cardigan, a wealthy housewife forced to work after her husband, Don (Ted Danson), loses his job. She takes a position cleaning at the Federal Reserve, where she discovers a loophole in the security system.
Bridget realizes she can steal discarded currency slated for destruction. She enlists the help of her co-workers, Nina (Queen Latifah) and Jackie (Katie Holmes), to smuggle the money out of the building. Their scheme involves hiding the bills in their undergarments, effectively spending the money before it’s officially out of circulation. The plan seems foolproof: the money is already marked for destruction, making it a seemingly “victimless” crime. But as the film progresses, complications inevitably arise.
Mad Money Film Cast: A Trio of Talent
The film boasts a strong cast led by three acclaimed actresses. Diane Keaton brings her signature comedic timing to the role of Bridget, the mastermind behind the heist. Queen Latifah delivers a powerful performance as Nina, a single mother struggling to provide for her children. Katie Holmes rounds out the trio as Jackie, a free-spirited young woman looking for adventure. Ted Danson provides comedic relief as Bridget’s bewildered husband, struggling to adapt to their new financial reality.
Mad Money: Critical Reception and Roger Ebert’s Unique Review
“Mad Money” received mixed reviews upon its release. Critics generally praised the performances of the lead actresses but found the plot predictable and lacking in suspense. Interestingly, renowned film critic Roger Ebert highlighted a unique “found review” in his column about the film. He stumbled upon a pre-release comment on Rotten Tomatoes by a user named “islandhome,” which he deemed a perfect encapsulation of the film’s target audience and appeal. The simple, uncapitalized review stated, “for the girls most will like it/and the men will not mind it much.” This grassroots assessment, according to Ebert, resonated with the film’s lighthearted nature and its appeal to a primarily female audience.
Ebert himself noted the film’s surprising lack of tension given the subject matter. He pointed out the ease with which the women execute their plan and the minimal challenges they encounter. He also commented on Ted Danson’s unusual hairstyle, comparing it to a blend of David Cronenberg and Frankenstein’s monster.
Mad Money: Remake of a British TV Movie
“Mad Money” is actually a remake of a 2001 British television film about cleaners who execute a similar heist at the Bank of England. Though character names and some details were changed, the core premise remains the same.
