Friends With Money Review

Director Nicole Holofcener's third film, "Friends With Money," continues her foray into the female psyche. Set in and around Los Angeles and Santa Monica, the film centres on four friends, three of which have financial security and one who is struggling to survive as a cleaner.

Catherine Keener, Francis MacDormand, Joan Cusack and Jennifer Aniston head the all star cast and, complimented with a tight script, the actors put together some highly convincing performances. However, for all its merits "Friends With Money" fails to achieve a great deal. Holofcener seems obsessed with trying to ram home the old cliché 'money doesn't equal happiness', and ultimately the issues that her characters embody aren't enough to draw a great deal of audience sympathy.

While Holofcener spends the majority of the film highlighting the complexities that come with having an abundance of cash, she is also keen to show the hardships that Olivia (Jennifer Aniston) has to deal with as an 'out-of-relationship' housemaid. Therefore, despite having a fantastic cast and some tight writing, "Friends With Money" unfortunately fails to make an impact. At times it makes pleasurable viewing, with some genuinely amusing and heartfelt moments, but overall the subject will appear too superficial for the majority of audience members.