Mad Money: Good run for your money

A novel plot, good acting and affable characters make Mad Money an enjoyable watch but because of a weak screenplay, it falls just short of becoming memorable.

Bridget (Diane Keaton), a high middle-class woman who has just faced the economic meltdown of the US with her husband being downsized at work, is forced to take up a job as a janitor at the Federal Reserve Bank which is into destroying soiled currency notes. At the bank, Bridget forges an unexpected alliance with Nina (Queen Latifa), a hard-working single mum with two kids, and Jackie (Katie Holmes), an exuberant free spirit with nothing to lose.

The three devise an elaborate plan to siphon the soon to be destroyed currency out of the airtight Reserve Bank.

The story is narrated in a series of flashbacks that establish that all three have been caught. However, towards the end, there is a twist. The camaraderie among the characters is well showcased but the supporting actors are not able to do justice to their roles. The immensely talented Ted Danson is the only one who manages to make an impact.

Diane Keaton is good in her role, Queen Latifa as usual is a treat but it is Katie Holmes who steals the thunder with her antics. Women have it all the way in the film and it is no surprise as Oscar-winning writer and director Callie Khouri is very skilful with women protagonists. Her path-breaking work in Thelma & Louise and Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood have won her great acclaim, but after this film she will have to work harder.