Like writer/director Nicole Holofcener's other films, "Walking and Talking" and "Lovely & Amazing," "Friends With Money" does get the little things right.
In particular, the film seems very honest and refreshing when it deals with the more humdrum aspects of marriage and relationships, such as the petty squabbles over money, children and households.
But disappointingly, this comedy-drama gets the bigger things wrong. For one thing, "Friends With Money" comes to an all-too-easy, sitcom-like conclusion — which is all the more ironic, considering the star is former "Friends" cast member Jennifer Aniston.
She stars as Olivia, a former schoolteacher who is now scraping to make ends meet. She's working a series of housecleaning jobs and is also trying to get over her last relationship, a fling with a married man.
As promised by the film's title, her circle of friends is comprised of a wealthy trio of women and their husbands, though they, of course, have their own share of problems.
Television writers Christine and David (Catherine Keener and Jason Isaacs) can't stand each other. Despite the best efforts of husband Aaron (Simon McBurney), clothing designer Jane (Frances McDormand) is becoming increasingly prone to fits of rage and public outbursts. And the only friend who seems really happy is the richest, Franny (Joan Cusack), and her husband Matt (Greg Germann).
And to bring in a romantic possibility for Olivia, Franny has introduced her to her personal trainer, Mike (Scott Caan), hoping the two will hit it off.
As written by Holofcener, most if not all of these characters are pretty self-involved and annoying, though they're not quite as one-dimensional and unappealing as that probably makes them sound.
In fact, the most lovable is probably the most prickly, McDormand's tart-tongued Jane. All the players in this first-rate cast, however, do have their moments.
"Friends With Money" is rated R for occasional use of strong sexual profanity and some other frank sex talk (including innuendo), simulated sex and other sexual contact and some drug material (including marijuana use). Running time: 88 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
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