Mad Money (2008) User Reviews (65)

I thought it was cute

[Smells_Like_Cheese · 6/10 · 19 January 2008]

My friend and I were looking for a movie to see this weekend and Mad Money was the only movie that looked like fun. When we finished the movie, the audience was happy and we were happy, this was a fun and cute movie. So I have to say that I am very very surprised by this harsh rating on IMDb, I mean, a 4.4?! You have got to be kidding me, this is by no means movie of the year, but for what it was, this was just a fun comedy to watch. There wasn't any major problems with this movie that deserves that kind of a rating that makes it look like the first major flop of the year. Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes were absolutely adorable together and had great chemistry. They made the story an Oceans Eleven for the girls, sounds like such a chick flick, but I think this is one that most could actually enjoy.

Bridget and her husband, Dan are in major debt, really bad debt, like 282,000 dollars in debt. They are about to loose everything they own, so Bridget gets a job as a janitor for the financial bank. When she notices the ultimate torture of how they shred worn out money, she gets a clever idea with the help of two other girl employees, Nina and Jackie, to find a way to break the system and get that money to get out of their poor situations. Once they get what they need, Bridget is so satisfied with how smooth everything went, she wants more and they go for it, but they should learn not to get so greedy since someone is on their tale.

Mad Money is a chick flick, but it's one of the rare one's that I liked. I didn't think there was anything wrong with this film. I think they could have explained the situation with the boss of the bank a little better, I don't know if he was in on it or what, but it's something that could slide I think. Queen Latifah was just so funny and Diane Keaton was a perfect choice for Bridget, Katie Holmes was pretty decent for the comic relief. Please don't take the rating on IMDb seriously, I think that Mad Money was just a fun little comedy that deserves a better chance.

6/10

Interesting Idea for a Financial Stimulus Package

[classicalsteve · 7/10 · 19 January 2008]

"Mad Money" has reasonable entertainment value, great characters, and even a nice little unexpected twist at the end to satisfy the escapist movie-goer. The essential plot of Mad Money is not that original as heist movies go. The formula usually goes something like this: the characters are in a bad financial or similar situation, they find out about some booty supposedly completely unobtainable, devise a scheme to lift the booty which has some intriguing element(s) to it, and then go about getting the booty. Along the way there are some twists and turns to keep it interesting. If it's too easy, it won't work. Part of the fun is whether or not they will get away with it, and how they will do it. Heist movies are almost a dime a dozen these days, with fair such as "Oceans 11" (both the old and the new versions), its subsequent sequels, "Heist", "The Score", etc.

What gives "Mad Money" a unique flavor is the characters who enact the heist, essentially the Neapolitan kind: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. Most Hollywood heist movies star middle-aged men devising elaborate schemes requiring PhD's to perpetrate the heist. In "Mad Money", the team of schemers are three women working at below-sea-level jobs at the Federal Reserve building: a white grandmother of the upper middle-class variety (Diane Keaton), a middle-aged African-American single mother trying to stay above water (Queen Latifah, who actually stuffs packs of bills into a large shredding machine), and Katie Holmes as a 20-something scatter-brain who will probably lose the better part of her hearing by movie's end. How Holmes ever landed a position at the Federal Reserve is one of the many intriguing mysteries of the movie. A rather unlikely swashbuckling gang of hoodlums who sport wash cloths and garbage bags instead of swords.

Keaton and Latifah have the most at stake in their interesting idea for a financial stimulus package: to lift ragged and torn bills from the Federal Reserve before they are about to be shredded. In other words, stealing money that really isn't money. However, I wouldn't try this at home. Year-round, the Federal Reserve acquires tons and tons of ragged and worn bills from banks and other large financial institutions and swaps them for new crisp clean bills. The ragged bills go by way of the shredding and pulping machines.

How they pull off the heist sort of works, although it does fray into a little bit of the fantastic as stealing from a Federal Governmental agency like the Federal Reserve is sort of akin to trying to raise the Titanic. It probably ain't gonna happen. However, a unique chemistry between the actors somehow makes the movie work, and the writers took the story seriously enough to give a lot of unexpected laughs, the way comedies of this type should be written. In other words, luckily the writers didn't try to make the movie "funny".

On a final note, the outstanding talent of the cast has to be Queen Latifah who does an excellent job of portraying a single mom who wants the booty but has ambivalence about the entire scheme. In fact the entire cast is excellent, with Diane Keaton believable as the guiding force behind the heist, and Ted Danson as her bewildered husband. My only criticism is that I would have liked a little more of a hint regarding the twist at the end which did come out of left field. Enjoyable and worth the price of admission, although I doubt I will shell out another 20 bucks for the DVD.

Underrated heist comedy

[Happy_Evil_Dude · 7/10 · 5 August 2008]

Directed by Callie Khouri (best known for writing the famous Ridely Scott film "Thelma & Louise"), Mad Money tells the story of three women working at the Kansas Federal Reserve Bank (though the movie was shot in Louisiana) who work out a system to steal money that is about to be shredded. Obviously, stuff happens.

Mad Money is far from being the best heist film out there. Recent efforts such as After The Sunset, The Italian Job, The Thomas Crown Affair, Entrapment or The Ladykillers are all much cooler. But just as Steven Soderbergh's "Ocean's" series is extremely overrated, this widely panned film is quite underrated. Actually, though it is central to the plot, the movie doesn't really focus on the heist element that much preferring to stick with character interactions and light comedy. Here also it's far from the funniest movie out there, but the humor is pleasant and harmless.

The acting is pretty good all around. Diane Keaton is certainly better here than in her horrible performance in the previous year's Because I Said So, and while some may find baffling that Katie Holmes chose this over The Dark Knight, she certainly does a better job here at playing a ditz than her uselessness in Batman Begins. Who knows? Maybe she just doesn't like Batman, maybe she wanted a role that would center more on her, maybe she just loves Thelma & Louise and is willing to have a lower paycheck, which, being married to Tom Cruise, she can totally afford to do. Queen Latifah is her usual self and it's always cool to see Ted Danson and Christopher McDonald (even if it's little more than a glorified cameo).

The movie has flaws yes, and shouldn't really show up on anyone's top 10 or top 200 list. The flashback narration doesn't really work that well and the ending is pretty ludicrous, but what the hell it's just a movie folks. I don't think anyone involved in the making of Mad Money declared that this movie will radically change your views on life. It's just simple harmless entertainment, something pleasant to watch if you stumble upon it.

Honey, Mad Money is funny and, while not perfect, is quite entertaining, too

[inkblot11 · 6/10 · 8 March 2008]

Bridget (Diane Keaton) is a gracious matron with a lovely home. Yet, her world turns upside-down when her husband (Ted Danson) loses his job. Suddenly, bills are piling up and there is no solution in sight. Needing to maintain her lifestyle, Bridget takes a job as a custodial worker for the local branch of the federal mint. Now, she has the health care coverage she needs and the means to pay her creditors. But, she wants more, especially considering the menial tasks she is asked to perform and the smug attitude of the mint's bossman. Being a tough and smart cookie, Bridget hatches an elaborate plot to help herself to some of the worn-out bills that are headed for the shredder. But, in order for the scheme to work, she needs the aid of Nina (Queen Latifah), who operates one of the shredders, and Jackie (Katie Holmes), whose task it is to transport the cart of paper money to and fro. They agree, after some initial reluctance, to become Bridget's partners in crime, for Nina wants to send her two little boys to a fine school and Jackie has a need for some excitement. But, will they really be able to pull one over on the Feds? This is really a fairly funny movie, with a great plot and a nice cast. Keaton, especially, is fabulous as the conniving, high maintenance housewife and the Queen is equally wonderful as a single mother with big dreams. Danson, Christopher McDonald and the lesser players are fine, too. Only Holmes strikes a flat note, as her Jackie is rather forgettable. Since Katie has shown she is a fine actress (see Pieces of April or Abandon), one can only conclude that the director failed her miserably. Then, too, she sports an awful hair style and terrible costumes throughout the film as well. This is most odd, for Keaton and Latifah look great. Although the sets are not noteworthy, they are certainly adequate, as is the look of the film. If you have heard that this film is a bomb, don't believe it. While it may not be a masterpiece, it definitely has its funny moments and zany charm, more than enough, in fact, to make it a worthwhile watch.

Ignore the IMDb Bad Reviews!

[labrat70 · 7/10 · 28 July 2016]

Ignore the IMDb Bad Reviews! I am really starting to doubt the endorsements from the IMDb Users not to mention the blatant lack of taste and inability to discriminate. The casting is 100% on point. The Queen, Keaton, and Holmes form a perfect modern day, realistic Stooges routine, portraying regular people in a struggle we all go thru: MONEY! Danson was as equally hysterical as Keaton's husband. I don't think they could have cast different actors and achieved the same magic.

It's smart, funny, and the plot is something that every viewer can completely related to and dream about. Don't miss out on this little gem!

Needs to be Remade Again

[dennis_chiu1 · 2/10 · 27 January 2008]

The overwhelming feeling of disappointment after walking out of this film is that this film could have been much more. The caper at the heart of "Mad Money" most closely resembles "The Inside Man", director Spike Lee's under appreciated masterpiece bank robbery film. However, the films could not be more different. Spike Lee was smart and experienced enough to know that even with a great cast and clever caper, you need a vision to bring out greatness. Mr. Lee also knew that you must choose a style.

Director Kallie Khouri, best known for writing and producing the feminist cult classic "Thelma & Louise" failed in every conceivable way - she demonstrates no eye for cinematography, a tin ear for dialogue, no timing for pacing, no point of view, and no talent for directing actors.

"Mad Money" is based on an British caper television movie "Hot Money", produced by Granada Television. The screenplay translation to America was written by Glenn Gers, whose best known screenplay to date was "Fracture" staring Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling. Mr. Gers failed miserably to take any chances. A more talented writer would have created the characters from whole cloth, rather than substituting American stereotypes; in "Mad Money" there is the head-bopping early twenty-something, the black single mother in the projects, and the upper middle class desperate housewife. There is no excuse for laziness. If Mr. Gers had create real people, then perhaps he wouldn't have created characters that came out of other people's poor imagination. Writing requires an understanding of humanity and cannot be faked. The screenplay for "Mad Money" had not one shred of genuine emotion. Spare me the notion that these characters were suppose to be light and frothy drawbacks to characters like in the caper classic "Ladykillers" with Sir Alec Guinness. There were just about 3 laughs in the entire picture. If I ever was so lucky to have a cast with Queen Latifah and Diane Keaton, I'd be embarrassed that I had put such a blemish on their filmographies, by giving them so little to make great.

No comedy, no drama, no thrills, no real danger, and no romance creates no film worth watching. I wish they could have afforded Carrie Fisher to doctor this screenplay and imbue it with a glint of genuine greed or true wit or anything that would have made this film any more watchable.

I also wish that the studio would have kept Ms. Khouri in the producer's chair, and brought in a director who knew how to fix a script, bring style, rather than shoot from an anywhere goes point of view, and attempt to make something memorable.

This movie should have said WARNING: Do not attempt this at home.

[MairegChernet · 6/10 · 1 June 2008]

An Oscar winning actress (Keaton), an Oscar nominated actress (Latifah), and the current spouse of an Oscar nominated actor (Holmes) shine in this delightful comedy/crime film as three employees of a federal reserve who plot to steal a large sum of disposable cash. This is a simple movie, nothing more nothing less. It offers inconsistent and infrequent laughs, while providing a thrill to the audience. Though I am not familiar with director Callie Khouri who apparently won an Oscar, the cast of this movie was compelling, from Diane Keaton to Ted Danson, from Katie Holmes to Queen Latifah. A renowned cast saved this film from being a total disaster with a witty and fitting performance. As far as the content of the movie It is nothing more than what a regular movie goer might expect it to be. A heist gone bad, but with no blood and violence....Just plain comedy. However, this is an unusual idea for a movie, because I am sure it would not be attempted in real life, and even if it is, I am positive that the schemers will not get that far.. A nice and enjoyable film worth seeing.

Don't rush to see it

[laviniacg · 3/10 · 23 January 2008]

Mad Money was mildly entertaining...very mildly. It can't seem to muster the energy to be more so. Because of the movie's structure, you more-or-less know where the movie's headed and you basically just have to sit and see how it gets there. Along the way, the characters are making what seem to be really obvious mistakes that any law-enforcement official with a lick of sense would catch on to in no time.

The main characters are pretty nonchalant about stealing gobs of money, and the supposedly vigilant security staff is equally blasé - barely expending the energy to raise an inquiring eyebrow when they see suspicious behavior. Significant others are also pretty halfhearted in their attempts to point out the negative consequences of their loved ones' behavior, and end up just going with the felonious flow.

Why not rent a copy of the Italian Job or Ocean's Eleven instead?

Graveyard Shift

[JohnDeSando · 26 January 2008]

Gabrielle Burton's Manna from Heaven (2002) is a cloying bit of larceny about old folks who pull a heist, so to speak. As bad as that allegedly funny comic caper is, Callie Khouri directs a caper headed by old folk Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) that makes Manna look smart. Mad Money, about three chicks who rip off the Federal Reserve, is a bankrupt comedy for which there was not a laugh for over an hour, and that's with an audience at a sneak preview, one of the easier groups to please.

Diane Keaton shows no comedic skills beyond the lines Woody Allen has given her in previous movies long ago; Queen Latifa as single mama Nina Brewster has no range beyond the broad beam of her smile and her bod; Katie Holmes as daffy Jackie Truman is a much more successful wife of Tom Cruise. The only one with half-way funny lines is Ted Danson as Don Cardigan, but his perfect white-haired, brush-cut hairpiece distracts from his delivery.

Mad Money appears in early January, an infamous graveyard for films studios know flat-out won't be successful but distribute to satisfy investors and actors that the film actually played theaters. I hope this film makes them money across the seas because stateside it would take a serious heist to make any money for this felonious assault on even the notoriously easy American audience.

From other reviews, I was expecting much worse.

[vampyrecowboy · 7/10 · 12 February 2009]

Diane Keaton...well, either I'm getting old - or she's getting better.

Heck, in some shots; she even looks hot - like a MILF...if you don't know what that means, look it up.

Anyway, it was entertaining for the most part and I think that Ted Danson's role was good, but small.

While he has had a decent career, it has never been huge outside of Cheers; however he always does a great job of portrayal and in this movie, I feel he outshines the rest of the major players.

Entertaining and even funny to some degree with a life lesson.

Don't get greedy.

Do I feel that stealing money from the MAN is wrong? Not after the last few years of just stuff going so wrong.

If the government can mess you around - well it's high time to reapply the rules to work for you.

Enjoyable movie even with all it's flaws

[the-movie-guy · 5/10 · 16 January 2008]

(Synopsis) Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) is a dedicated mother and corporate wife living in an upper middle class neighborhood when her husband Don (Ted Danson) is downsized from his job of 30 years. Don has been looking for a job for a whole year. With the threat of losing everything, Bridget must find a job. She has an English Lit degree, but no job experience. She finally takes the only job that she can find as a janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City. The one-time corporate wife now works with Nina (Queen Latifah), a single mom with two kids who shreds old money, and Jackie (Katie Holmes), young, beautiful, and a little strange, who moves the money cart. Every day the bank shreds over a million dollars. Bridget begins to think of what she can do with some of that old money, and she comes up with a plan. Bridget needs Nina and Jackie for the plan to work. They all join forces and start taking home the money. These three women have pulled off the perfect crime.

(My Comment) This movie is a good example of what three average women who have learned to work the system for their own advantage can do when they want something bad enough even though it is illegal. It also shows you what will eventually happen when you have enough money and should stop, but greed sets in. Diane Keaton was wonderful in her part as a stay at home wife who must get a job to survive. Life can be hard when the breadwinner losses his job. Everybody already knows that the difference between a bum and a respected person is a job. These three women had a job; however, they turned to the life of crime only to get what they did not earn. I know it is only a movie, but working for your money is important, especially since Nina had two kids at home. Queen Latifah's performance was convincing and at times touching. Katie Holmes' performance was funny, but a little unusual. It is an enjoyable movie, but you can wait for the DVD to come out. (Overturn Films, Run Time 1:44, Rated PG-13)(5/10)

Unexpected pleasure

[beresfordjd · 8/10 · 21 February 2011]

I was expecting to start watching this movie then switch it off. Yes my expectations were low. However this little movie was great, not great art but a great pleasure to watch. I am no fan of any of the three leading actresses but they made this a joy to watch. Ted Danson (who I could never warm to in Cheers) impresses me with his timing and (in Damages) his acting talent. The story is simply told and is absorbing, entertaining and (unusually for a modern comedy) funny. Not uproariously but it made me smile on many occasions. The viewer cares about the characters and what happens to them and that is a testament to the writing and direction. It is not the best comedy I have ever seen nor the best heist movie but the sum is greater than the parts. Keaton was very good and Queen Latifah was terrific support. I recommend this for a pleasant way to pass an hour or so.

Don't expect much, just sit back and enjoy.

[DarkVulcan29 · 7/10 · 5 March 2008]

I hope nobody gets any ideas on imitating things that are in this movie. This film was not meant to be taking seriously, it was meant for you just to relax and enjoy. And if you do dig too much into it, there your not seeing the clear picture here. Cause this was purely enjoyable, it might be a chick flick, but who cares, even though i'm not a chick, I still found it enjoyable. It was nice to see Katie Holmes return to acting, after becoming Mrs Tom Cruise, she was real funny in her role alongside Diane Keaton, and Queen Latifah. They all play three struggling women, who all work at a bank, they get a plan to swipe the disposable money out of there, and get rich quick. And that is all i'm gonna say. It was a fun, and don't take it seriously.

Morally bankrupt movie

[raseweiss · 1/10 · 24 January 2008]

I was prepared to laugh and I hated this film.

Why would you elect to spend 1 hour and 40 minutes with these people who are just plain greedy? Diane Keaton's character and her husband are rich Americans who feel entitled to maintain their lifestyle. Oh boo hoo--you can't keep your fancy house with a pool..I feel sorry for you that you have to get a job. NOT. Then we have Queen Latifah, who is the best character in the movie--but who still goes for the "I'm American and I'm entitled to something because I want it." Forget about Katie Holmes. She drops her purse and you see a syringe. She says later that "I'm a late onset diabetic." WRONG term. She's a Type 1 diabetic and any idiot would know that diabetics often use syringes to inject insulin--but Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah imply Katie Holmes' character is a drug addict. How stupid is this? Diane Keaton is college educated. Queen Latifah's character is SMART. Duh. How about the whole premise that they'd rip off the Fed? My husband worked at the Fed. SPOILER: There's NO WAY the whole entire security system would rest on Master locks. Have you ever heard of computerized security???? I felt offended that we were supposed to sympathize that life's joys were all about being able to buy things--buy happiness. We were supposed to applaud their friendship all based on a complete lack of morality on any character's part. They were thieves STEALING for no good reason except they wanted fancy stuff. It's not like any of them needed costly medical care or something.

Don't waste your time on this film. Too many holes. Too many unsympathetic portrayals of outright greed and stupidity. I can't believe anyone spent any money getting this made. It's embarrassing. I'm sorry I spent money on this. It's everything I hate about American culture and American films.

Good cast and great film...

[andremarques983 · 13 January 2008]

just got back from a special screening of mad money. The film stars really almost telling you the whole story but as it keeps going you keep thinking about what's going to happen. First the film is for young teens I will say 12 years and older. I will start with the casting Katie Holmes' performance at first was a little bit immature I was expecting more from her, her role was probably the most enjoyable and happy from the film her acting as a young women was just incredible I've never seen her doing so good in film before. Then comes Queen Latiffa I think that her role was the most touching heart worming in the film she is just amazing this is her comedy just when you think that an actress is doing bad she gets the perfect role it was a good thing to see Queen doing a great job, and last but not least Dian Keaton she was the perfect to play that role her acting on this movie was so good you cannot compare it to last year's Because I said so, this was real acting this three actresses give such an amazing job thanks to this ladies the film is good. The story of the film was pretty obvious but at some point you get lost and that when the suspense starts, the only thing you worry about is that they would not catch them, this was a comedy suspense film that specially teen girls should go see. Overall this film was a comedy that you will never forget and you will regret if you don't see it on the big screen you can compare this film to Oceans 11 female version and more realistic version I think that this is the first good film of the year because I saw a screening of One missed called and it wasn't good. I just want to say people go see this film you won't regret anything and you will be satisfied with everything here.

Entertaining Enough, Although Ethically Empty

[sddavis63 · 6/10 · 17 August 2008]

This is an enjoyable enough movie to watch. It's not outrageously funny, although it does bring quite a few smiles throughout and more than a few chuckles. Its strengths lay in a very strong cast (headed by Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes and Ted Danson) as well as an intriguing story that is worth watching.

Essentially, Bridget (Keaton) sees her comfortable, upper class life fall apart when her husband (Danson) loses his high paying job and they're left saddled with huge debts. To try to make ends meet, Bridget takes a job as a janitor at the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank, and while she works there and watches the operation, she concocts a scheme to rob the place of old money that was about to be shredded. She convinces two co-workers (Latifah and Holmes) to join the plot and the story goes from there. The most interesting part of the movie was watching the various characters react to their new found wealth. Bridget is the cold-blooded one who succumbs to greed. Originally just wanting enough to pay off her debts, once she accomplishes that she wants to keep going. Latifah is the cautious one, constantly warning the others not to spend too much or people will start to wonder. Holmes is the free spirit who seems to want in on this just for the kicks and whose husband (a good performance from Adam Rothenberg) ends up going a bit crazy with the money and gets the IRS suspicious. Danson's character was very interesting. Once he discovered the plot he wasn't enthusiastic but did nothing to stop it, but never seems totally comfortable with it either. All he seems to want to do is go back to work.

The biggest problem for me was the ethical perspective. No one seemed to have any concerns that they were doing anything wrong. There was no real sense of guilt, and there were no particularly serious consequences for anyone, even though they did get caught. In the end the moral of the story seemed to be that if you can get away with it, it's OK. I had a few problems with that. Still, it's fun and a pleasant movie to watch. 6/10

The three main leads give us Mad Fun!

[Dan-I-am · 7/10 · 9 October 2008]

Three average woman who work at the mint team up together to try and steal the cash they are supposed to be destroying. This is Mad Money, a fun and at times hilarious comedy. Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah and Katie Holmes work together to make a great team as the three criminals.

Although of its nasty box office performance and harsh reviews, Mad Money delivers as a comedy that is a lot fun from start to finish. The directors and writers were not trying to make anything ground breaking with this film, they just wanted the audience to have a lot of fun and thats what they have achieved. Diane Keaton does well and looks to slowly be returning to form, Queen Latifah is always so much fun and she fails to disappoint and even the usually annoying Katie Holmes is fun to hang around with.

Overall, Mad Money is a lot of fun, mainly because of its three leads who are extremely enjoyable to hang out with.

Nitwit star-vehicle...a "bad economy" comedy full of bad ideas

[moonspinner55 · 3/10 · 27 June 2010]

Strapped upper-class housewife in Kansas City is forced to take a janitorial job at the Federal Reserve Bank where old paper money is destroyed; she gets an idea of how to reserve some of that cash for herself, and enlists two co-workers to help her. Haphazardly-conceived narrative is nitwit comedy one minute, heist drama the next. Diane Keaton comes up with the scheme, which viewers are hardly privy to (she buys a lock and looks something up on the internet); Queen Latifah warns her not to spend any of the money, but a few scenes earlier is seen enrolling her child in a prestigious school and offering to donate a large sum to the library. None of it coheres, and only the scenes set in the Federal Reserve building contain any visual interest. The three leads (Keaton, Latifah, and Katie Holmes) are meant to be portraying lovable losers looking for a break, but all we can see is that they are greedy mercenaries. *1/2 from ****

Enjoyable comedy caper film

[totally-bogus · 7/10 · 7 August 2016]

This film is an enjoyable little treat that will keep you entertained and involved. It's not intended to be emotionally riveting or a socioeconomic milestone. It's intended to be fun and uplifting, and it succeeds in that. The characters are human and sympathetic, warts and all, even as they display their very human faults and weaknesses. The leads all do a fine job of bringing them to life. Katie Holmes is just far enough over the top in her portrayal without veering into clownishness (if that's a word). The script is witty and clever, and the film moves along at a comfortable pace. There are touching moments of humanity that add to your sympathy for the characters. All in all I found this to be well worth the time, and even a film that will be re-watchable.

Its a re-make!

[mattandjen-2 · 3/10 · 27 May 2009]

The first thing I can say about this is - its a re-make of a fairly good British 'made for TV' movie called Hot Money. For all those who thought it wouldn't happen in real life - it did happen at the Royal Mint several years ago, and Hot Money was a dramatised version of a true story.

Mad Money is simply yet another attempt by Hollywood to rip off someone else's idea - just like The Departed. What I can't understand about re-makes is - 'Why bother if the original is still going to be better than the second one?' Hence my overall review of this is - why did they bother?

Mad Casting

[anaconda-40658 · 7/10 · 24 April 2015]

Mad Money (2008): Dir: Callie Khori / Cast: Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, Katie Holmes, Ted Danson, Roger Cross: Formula comedy about our constant strive for riches. When her husband is downsized, Diane Keaton is forced to work as a janitor at the bank. There she meets a single mother played by Queen Latifah and a young drug addict played by Katie Holmes. Together they devise a scheme to steal the money that is shredded at the end of the day. Setup opens with the conclusion, until becoming formula and applauding theft. Directed by Callie Khori who previously made the nitwit comedy The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. This is also about a small ensemble of women but funnier and much more likable. One element that succeeds is the casting. Keaton holds strong as a loyal house wife who does what she can to oppose the unjust against her family. Latifah has a conscience but she also wants the best for her son. Holmes steals moments as a drug addict who listens to her head phones too loud. Ted Danson as Keaton's husband is supportive despite losing his job. Roger Cross plays a security guard who catches them in the act but he is attracted to the Latifah character and has a change of heart. Conclusion gives the wrong message and the wrong reason. Yes, everyone needs to survive and provide for their family, but the message here is warped and demonstrate the down side of money. Score: 7 / 10

Beyond Mad to Furious

[gasket360 · 1/10 · 19 November 2021]

There are 189 synonyms for "Bad" in the English language according to a reliable thesaurus. Apply the other 188 and that barely begins to scratch the surface of this pointless "comedy"(?). The premise itself was a featherweight. If I can save one person from wasting time with this film, then I will consider my review worthwhile. How this script made it past the legendary pitfalls that can derail the submission, edit, and re-writing process, and then to secure the actresses that would agree to starring roles after reading it, is miraculous. Or could this have been one of those binding obligations that required a given number of movies to be made during a contract period with a no choice clause? Not even Diane Keaton, Queen Latifah, and Katie Holmes as the headliners could pull this one off while trying to work too hard to convince the viewer that it was funny.

Blew away my expectations

[Dragoneyed363 · 9/10 · 1 June 2008]

While I really love Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah, I was not particularly excited about Mad Money. It looked really mediocre, and though I was expecting to be entertained, I was not expecting it to be as fun and interesting as it ended up being. It is a really underrated and funny movie that is an all around great time from beginning to end that I am glad I had the chance of seeing.

While the movie is not exceedingly hilarious, it has it's shining moments of brilliance from the wonderful cast. All the actors and actresses pull off the characters perfectly, giving the film a lovable and bubbly atmosphere. It's extremely interesting too. I could never look away, because I was so interested in the plot; they set everything up really well and the movie was nicely paced with some fun and surprising twists and turns that keep the viewer on edge.

Like I said, easily the best thing about this movie is it's performances which ultimately make the only decent movie otherwise more than decent and highly rewatchable, and the cast pull off the material that could be seen as poor amazingly and overall make the movie worth the while. I enjoyed it highly, and like I said, I wish more people would see it and not be so critical on it. It is entertainment at it's most charming, even if it is not a masterpiece.

Good

[manitobaman81 · 7/10 · 30 August 2014]

Not since the Wayans masterpiece of Mo' Money has a movie with the word "money" in it commanded such attention. Diane Keaton plays a matron with a lovely home with a thirst to steal lots of money. This is really a fairly funny movie with a strong plot and a capable cast. Keaton is amazing as the conniving housewife with a thirst for thievery. The leads' combined talents and charisma have a lot to do with this movie's success. While it may not be an Oscar winner, it has its moments. I finished this film, thinking, "I too have a thirst to steal lots of money from the man!" Great performances help enhance a story of friendship and thievery.

And yet another Remake

[marcospavlos · 4/10 · 7 March 2008]

Isn't it about time, producers came up with something original, this original (Hot money 2001) was much funnier and much more skillfully acted, if you do fancy watching this type of story try the original first. (Hot Money 2001(uk, TV.)) I'm not saying Diane Keaton and Queen Latifah aren't good actresses but this kind of stuff doesn't do them justice. It's not as if they need the money either. this is a poor showing of a good story. Can you think of a remake that as ever been better than the original? that question is to people who have lived through both and watched them in order. We have the same problem with the music industry at the moment. Hardly anything is original now days, be it words, music, or film.