Today’s quick review: Mad Money. After falling on hard times, Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) takes a job as a janitor at the Federal Reserve. There she hatches a bold plan to solve her money problems once and for all: by stealing the worn-out cash scheduled for destruction. But to pull it off, she will need the help of fellow employees Nina Brewster (Queen Latifah), a struggling single mother, and Jackie Truman (Katie Holmes), a free spirit.
Mad Money is a crime comedy about three women with a foolproof plan to make them rich. Together, Bridget, Nina, and Jackie figure out a way to rob one of the most secure places in the country by stealing money that officially no longer exists. Mad Money is a light, creative caper about the allure of money and the difficulty of earning it the honest way. An original premise and a trio of likable leads are enough to make Mad Money a fun watch.
Mad Money has two factors that set it apart from the typical heist flick: its unlikely band of thieves, and the victimless nature of the crime. Bridget, Nina, and Jackie are all amateurs and are hardly cut out for a life of crime. It’s only through careful planning and by exploiting holes in the bank’s stringent security that they’re able to make the heist work. But unlike most heists, the plan can be repeated indefinitely—if they don’t get caught.
The other major part of the story is what the women do once they have the cash. Even though they start with good intentions and a fixed goal in mind, the temptation is there to keep stealing money and spend it in irresponsible ways. The fine line between getting rich and getting caught gives the movie the right amount of tension to work with. And though the story can be a little predictable, it is scoped and paced just right for Mad Money’s premise.
Mad Money is a solid pick when you’re in the mood for a low-stakes caper with a light tone. The script isn’t as sharp as some other comedies, but the movie gets by on its charm and creativity. Those who are open to some innocent fun will find it to be a simple, breezy popcorn watch. Those hoping for quotable dialogue, flashy tactics, or razor-sharp tension will want to look elsewhere.
For a crime comedy with the same spirit, try Going in Style or The Maiden Heist. For a more flashy burglary with a female crew, try Ocean’s Eight. For another comedy about amateur thieves with grand plans, try Tower Heist.
5.8 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for modest, enjoyable comedy.