Friends with Money - A Movie Review

Nobody has their lives figured out. We’ll figure out life eventually.

Friends with Money is a 2006 film. A set of friends have contrasting ideas about love, careers, and themselves. When Olivia decides to quit her job as a maid, she struggles with what she wants to do feeling like the outcast of her friends.

We need more films about friendships. Particularly adult friendships. Friends with Money influences audiences to make good decisions bordering love, careers, and friendship. Just remember that nobody is perfect and that we all have problems.

Jennifer Aniston, Frances McDormand, Catherine Keener, and Joan Cusack make up a good team. Sharing an assortment of conversations, it’s important to note how these women view each other.

We have all struggled in our pathways. Each woman has a different relationship. One is stuck in a lackluster relationship while another is happy, but searching for something else. I liked the segments where they’d split up. In large groups of friends, each member has a different relationship. That’s important to note.

Each woman is given a scene to let their talents shine. For instance, McDormand has a ball screaming at a customer who she believes but in front of her. Keener and Jason Isaacs have an explosive argument. As for Cusack, she didn’t have a conflict like the other women, instead, taking the advice role wherever she could.

My opinions have always varied on Aniston’s performances. I’ve argued that she is typecast but it depends on the role she is given. Olivia got on my nerves with her submissive behavior. She was such a pushover even letting her date give her an insulting present.

I also liked the little subplot with the men. It’s small, but men also need to build friendships of their own. We don’t have to spend all our time with significant others.

This is a film about people. Love plays a substantial theme in Friends with Money. Love and money. Which is more important? We all want both. Money is a big topic in adulthood. It makes an impact on our lives because we want to stand out to the world or our social groups.

I have seen one other film directed by Nicole Holofcener. She does a good job of connecting to people. One of her highlights was the direction in conversations. Holofcener likes to write about simplicity. Scenes are quick and to the point.

The film gets tedious by the end, repeating segments with the characters. Other than character depth, Holofcener should have attributed more to the story.

Most of the filming for Friends with Money took place in Los Angeles - amidst the rainiest winter ever! The scene in the Farmers Market was filmed with real people shopping in the area and not extras.

Adulthood is given a proper definition. You look at things a lot differently as an adult. The best lesson I learned is that you don’t have to have everything figured out. It’s all about grounding your life where you want to it be. Don’t do something because society implemented it. Do what makes you happy, be with who you love, and don’t keep things bottled up.

Aside from working, have fun and enjoy a night out with your friends. Friendship is so important in your adult life. Friends should give one another the advice that they need. They’re always here in the tough times.

As I have learned, friends make everything better. Keep exploring life and yourself. Find your happiness. Go find Friends with Money and watch it with your gal pals.