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Where the Money Is (2000)

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54 Nutzerkommentare insgesamt

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12 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :-
a small scale gem, 27. Mai 2001
Author: Roland E. Zwick (magneteach@aol.com) von United States

For admirers of quality movies, one of the greatest sources of frustration has always been the inverse ration that exists between movies that are good and movies that make money. The essential rule of thumb is that, with few exceptions, the larger a film's budget happens to be, the less likely that that film will have anything new or original to say. The corollary principle is that, given the choice between patronizing a film that is original, complex and meaningful and one that is derivative, simpleminded and thematically empty, the mass audience will go with the latter type every time. Driven by the need for profits, large studios are then forced to cater to this `lowest common denominator' mentality. The result is that wonderful little films are almost invariably squeezed out of the marketplace, left to languish in obscure art houses scattered in a few major cities, while bloated, mindless multi-million dollar monstrosities fill sprawling megaplexes found in cities, suburbs and rural areas stretching literally from coast to coast.

How many people, for instance, have even heard of, let alone seen, `Where the Money Is'? Yet here is a film dedicated to the spirit of pure fun, a lighthearted black comedy that is blessedly free of the hardboiled cynicism and explicit violence that plague so many such films. The film hooks the audience from the very start with the originality of its plot and setting. Set in a small Oregon town (though the film was, rather inexplicably, filmed in the environs of Montreal), the movie stars the superb Linda Fiorentino and Dermot Mulroney as long time high school sweethearts who have married right after graduation, found their comfortable little niche in the small world they inhabit and now begun to take each other for granted. (The opening scene introduces us to them as they are roadhousing around on prom night in his prize Mustang, the one symbol of a rebellious youth that he still clings to all these years later). It is at her job – as a nurse at a local convalescent hospital – that a measure of excitement reenters their humdrum lives and relights the long dormant spark of adventure that she, in particular, has been missing. This novelty comes in the form of an aging bank robber (Paul Newman) who has apparently suffered a stroke and is sent to the rest home due to overcrowding at the prison hospital.

The early scenes of the film are wickedly funny as Fiorentino, suspicious that her new patient may just be faking it, plays a clever little game of cat-and-mouse to try to catch him in his impressive charade. Suddenly, having achieved her goal, she is not quite so sure who is really the cat and who the mouse.

To say more about the plot would really do a disservice to this film, which manages to keep us intrigued by the unpredictability of its most unusual setup. Fiorentino and Mulroney are thoroughly believable as a couple of once-edgy youngsters grown into responsible, comfortable but slightly restless adults. She, in particular, finds herself stifled by the humdrum quality of both their life and their marriage together. Mulroney, on the other hand, seems to have pretty much lost that desire for living on the edge, yet, for her sake and, perhaps, for the sake of that tiny spark for adventure that still lives unquenched somewhere deep inside him, he is willing to meet her halfway – even if a bit reluctantly – on the field of lawlessness. Newman, as the expert bank robber who stumbles unexpectedly into their lives, provides the perfect catalyst for renewed adventure.

The amazing thing about `Where the Money Is' is that, thanks to its writers, Max Frye, Topper Lilien and Carroll Cartwright, and the director, Marek Kanievska, the film never ends up taking itself too seriously. It always knows that its prime purpose is to give the audience a fun time. This it does with the help of its three dazzling stars, who seem to be having the time of their professional lives (Fiorentino is especially wonderful). It sure must be infectious, because we, in the audience, have a pretty damn good time watching them.

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11 out of 14 people found the following comment useful :-
a rousing good time, 3. September 2001

Author: jpaisan von SF Peninsula

In playing a small town girl taken by the world wise con man, the chemistry between Fiorentino and Newman is perfect. Mulroney is basically Bud Bundy while Paul Newman is, well Paul Newman, and Fiorentino effortlessly falls for him, as does the audience.

Well cast, well acted caper flick that runs on Newman's star quality.

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12 out of 18 people found the following comment useful :-
Can't Totally Blame Newman For This Bomb, 13. Juni 2007

Author: ccthemovieman-1 von Lockport, NY, United States

This is one of the few Paul Newman movies in which even the critics all agreed it was pretty bad. For once, I agree with them; this was not a fun experience watching this garbage.

Actually, I liked Newman's character "Henry Manning," or at least thought he was a very interesting guy. The problem I had wasn't him; it was the two younger actors, Linda Fiorentino and Dermot Mulroney. Have you noticed how many low-life people Fiorentino plays in films? Check out "The Last Seduction," "Jade," etc. This woman is not appealing to me. Mulroney is another actor who plays a lot of punks, including the guy in here, "Wayne MacKay."

Both of those people ruined this film for me, although all three leads are not good people. That was a main problem for a number of viewers: no good guys, meaning nobody to root for.

The story starts out promising but sinks fast, and never recovers. It's tough to like a story when you don't care about any of the characters and it's a weak script to begin with. Still....one wonders why Newman went into this project.

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6 out of 7 people found the following comment useful :-
Newman shines, 21. Dezember 2000

Author: FlickJunkie-2 von Atlanta, GA

Paul Newman shines in this implausible, but highly watchable caper flick about three unlikely armored car robbers. It is hard to believe that Newman is 75. He is fitter and more energetic than most men who are fifteen years his junior. He single-handedly elevates this film from mediocrity.

The story is nothing unique. Henry (Newman) is a bank robber who is delivered to a nursing home after a debilitating stroke. His nurse (Linda Fiorentino) suspects he is not the vegetable he appears to be. After she gets him to admit his ruse, she exhorts him to knock off an armored truck with her.

Director Marek Kanievska and writer Max Frye leave numerous gaps in the story. We never discover what tips off Carol that Henry is faking. They didn't do enough character development of Carol and Wayne (Dermot Mulroney) to make it believable that they would want to become criminals, no less hatch the scheme. The idea that Carol was pretending to be the dispatcher for the armored car company from a cell phone in the truck is a flimsy concoction. Even with digital technology, most cell phones in moving vehicles sound like cell phones, and you can hear road noises and the engine running.

Still, despite a lackluster script, the film is enjoyable because of Paul Newman. Newman gives a fantastic rendition of a stroke victim, and his hardened and cantankerous portrayal was marvelous. Linda Fiorentino plays the scheming sex-kitten nurse in one of her better performances. The screen chemistry between Fiorentino and Newman is excellent with undercurrents of sexual desire constantly flaring up between them. Dermot Mulroney is relegated to a role that was essentially a fifth wheel and is adequate as Carol's loser of a husband.

I rated this film a 7/10. It is good entertainment and an opportunity to see a master at work. Newman hasn't lost a beat in a movie career that spans almost a half a century. It is worth seeing for him alone.

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6 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :-
Quality Paul Newman Flick....., 13. April 2000
Author: thescab von Toronto, Canada

My girlfriend took me to an advance screening of this film so we had no idea what we were in for. I had just seen Nobody's Fool so I was well prepared for the pace of the film, and Newman's sly, charming style. Fortunately, he didn't disappoint, (he's still as reliable as ever), and the film still held plenty of surprises for me. I will admit I was less than interested for the first 20 minutes, but by the end, I was impressed.

Newman plays Henry Manning, a old thief who crosses paths with Carol Ann MacKay (Fiorentino) who is a restless nurse at a rest home. As you can guess, it's a heist film with plenty of hilarity and real suspense. Keep in mind, it's a mild hilarity and suspense, with subtle exchanges and real emotional investment. The scenes play slowly and meticulously, like a heist, waiting for the exact moment to give us the payoff. They hit the mark more often than not in both arenas of comedy and suspense,

The chemistry between the principles is strong, especially with Fiorentino and Newman, with intelligent dialogue that takes the plot through a natural progression that doesn't betray the two lead characters.

Make no mistake, Newman's presence elevates this film, as he often does, and he does it with such ease that it's a joy to watch. If you like Newman's recent work, this film will not disappoint you.

As I have indicated, it's a slow film, not too deep, not overly witty, but subtle. It works on many levels, so I have no problem recommending it to fans of Paul Newman.

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2 out of 2 people found the following comment useful :-
GOOD TO HAVE PAUL NEWMAN BACK AGAIN, 20. April 2000

Author: dick-78 von Charlotte, NC

This is no "STING" but it is an entertaining Paul Newman film. We are Paul Newman fans from way back and enjoy seeing him in virtually anything. This was an enjoyable romp and we certainly recommend it to any movie goer.

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3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful :-
Fun for fans of Newman, 6. August 2001
Author: richard winters (rwint) von Chicago, Illinois

Yes Newman is still acting and although he is definitely starting to look elderly, still has a very strong screen presence. He plays a former bank robber who is now a stroke victim and with the help of his nurse manages one last heist. If you like bank robbing movies, or Newman, you won't be disappointed. It moves at a very quick pace with a lot of twists and excitement. Newman gives another good performance especially when he stays comatose during a lap dance by Fiorentino. However the direction is a little too compact. You almost wish it would slow up a bit and add a little more flavor or atmosphere. The idea of a nice law abiding couple suddenly doing a major crime seems a bit hard to believe. Also the color schemes within the hospital are downright ugly! Overall a good time filler, but certainly no award winner.

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
sweet!, 22. Januar 2004
Author: ionamay48 von ny

i just love this little ditty. Nothing heavy or too meaningful here...just good old fashioned entertainment. A neat little story told very nicely and believably, with good cohesion and style. Intelligently shot and scored with a good dialogue which keeps this smart little story rolling along very nicely.Very funny at times and thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend it as a "feel good" temporary diversion. Great cast and an interesting plot that will keep you looking forward to the next viewing, which is what it is all about...

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
glad i found it, 9. April 2001
Author: mondolync2 von north carolina

At the time of it's short theatrical release, "Where the Money Is" just didn't seem like a very appealing film. And due to it hitting video store shelves within only a matter of months, I had decided that this film just wouldn't be that great. But, I decided to check it out anyway and I am very happy I did. What we are given with "Where the Money Is" is a classy caper flick with some good performances. Although not a classic, WTMI is definately good wholesome entertainment. The script focuses more on intrigue and comedy, rather than the profanity and violence that most caper flicks are centered around. This one is a rare gem, and I'm glad I found it. 8.5/10

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful :-
Small pleasant film better seen at home, 15. April 2000

Author: peterghsd von Bellingham

It is doubtful this very pleasant film could have been better acted by Linda Fiorentino and Paul Newman. Rave newspaper reviews raised my expectations too high. The film was smaller and flatter than expected. Still, it is very pleasant and accomplishes all it set out to do. Depends on your mood, but this film is probably better enjoyed at home on DVD rather than shelling out for movie tickets, sitter, whatever.

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