Movie Review: Mad Money

A movie that pays homage to the classic, recession-era comedy "How to Beat the High Cost of Living," "Mad Money" is a lightweight, inoffensive caper film that actually delivers some good laughs.

"Mad Money": Diane Keaton Plays a Suburban Housewife

Diane Keaton plays Bridget Cardigan, a wealthy Kansas City housewife who has no real marketable skills except shopping. Her lush lifestyle is threatened after her husband (Ted Danson) loses his high-paying executive position.To help pay their bills, Bridget takes a janitorial position at the Kansas City Federal Reserve and, each day, she empties trash and cleans windows while other employees destroy piles of old money.

"Mad Money": Bridget Cardigan Shows a Devious Side

As it turns out, Bridget has a pretty devious mind and comes up with a scheme to get her hands on some of that worn-out cash in order to help her and her husband get back on their feet. Enlisting the help of single mom Nina Brewster (Queen Latifah) who works in the shredding room, and an air-headed employee named Jackie (Katie Holmes), the trio risks prison time each time they walk out with cash hidden in their clothes.

Bridget's scheme goes like clockwork, but even after the ladies have more than enough money, Bridget wants to keep going and she pushes the rest of the team to keep on doing what they're doing until the amass an even bigger fortune.

"Mad Money": Diane Keaton is a Criminal Mastermind

Like "Fun with Dick and Jane," "Mad Money" shows how one suburban housewife comes up with an interesting, but illegal way to pay the bills. Normally cast as nervous, frantic characters, Diane Keaton gets to stretch herself playing the mastermind of the entire plot. Instead of jittery, Keaton makes Bridget cool, calculating and, at times, downright icy.

"Mad Money": Queen Latifah and Ted Danson Provide Good Support

As always Queen Latifah is rock solid as the single mom who finds herself becoming a part of Bridget's scheme in order to provide for her two sons. Ted Danson, with a shock of white hair, also is effective as Bridget's displaced husband.