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Volume 71, Issue 131,
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Life & Arts 'Friends' driven by rich ensemble Film's shortcomings covered up by its solid acting efforts by JOHNNY M. PEÑA
The dramatic comedy Friends With Money takes viewers into the lives of four women who spend most of their time gossiping about one another, struggling with midlife issues and worrying about their money. The film is written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, who has Walking and Talking and Lovely & Amazing under her belt. The female quartet is played by some of Hollywood's most recognized actresses -- three of whom have earned Oscar nods. The West Coast ladies of this story have had success in both love and the workplace, except for Olivia (Jennifer Aniston), an ex-teacher turned self-employed maid. Olivia is the only one who lacks two things her girlfriends have: a husband (or serious boyfriend) and money. Her affluent friends, who enjoy buying expensive clothes and remodeling their homes, seem concerned for her financial situation. During one of their dinner outings, Franny (Joan Cusack) tells the group she plans to donate a large sum of money to her son's school. Jane (Frances McDormand) suggests that Franny should instead give it to Olivia. When her companions bring up her money problems, Olivia is obviously uncomfortable. Olivia's life-long friends also worry about her love life. Franny hooks Olivia up with her personal trainer, Mike (Scott Caan), just "so she can have a date." Olivia gives the impression that she is enjoying Mike's company, but there's something about him that's not right. Aniston's character isn't the only one with problems. In fact, most of them have some of their own. Catherine Keener (coming off an Oscar nod for Capote) plays Christine, who bumps and trips on everything and just wants someone to ask if she's OK. She and David (Jason Isaacs) are a husband and wife screenwriting team. They act out arguments between the characters in their stories, and then they argue for real. Their lovelorn relationship is obvious, and it's no secret where it is headed. Jane, a fashion designer, is disillusioned with life after 40, and we see her frustration as she lashes out at waiters and people at checkout lines at Old Navy -- these scenes garner most of the audience's laughs. Jane is the wisest and funniest character in the movie, even though she is oblivious to her husband's seemingly gay behavior, like being particular about his clothes and accessories. Viewers never find out if Aaron is gay or not. He's probably not (but her friends would differ); he appears happily married and is supportive during his wife's crisis. Franny and her husband Matt (Greg Germann) are the ones without any apparent difficulties. Their biggest concerns are spending too much on their child's shoes. They are by far the richest of their friends, but maybe that adds pressure to the rest of the bunch. There is no complicated plot, but there's no need for it. The film's strength is in its acting. Aniston plays the lost, peculiar girl to perfection. Even if she is a pothead and has a mild obsession with a married man, the character is likable. The film cuts off at the end, and we don't get to see what really happens to the foursome. Does Olivia straighten out her life? Does she find someone? Or maybe figures out she doesn't need to live up to her friends' standards.
Friends with Money Rated: R for language, some sexual content and drug
use
Verdict: Pretty cool seeing Aniston hang out with some new friends. Send comments to dcshobiz@mail.uh.edu |
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