Movie Review: One for the Money
One for the Money might be better named were it “One for the Women.” But you had to know that. It was ladies night at the movies folks. Completely packed theater of women and maybe half a dozen men that would have rather have been anywhere else on the planet, but reluctantly went to see what all the hoopla was about, as did I. Personally, I never fell into the clutches of the acclaimed novel writer, Janet Evanovich but many have, and their passion for her books is almost Twilight like.
What’s the draw? Near as I can tell, the main character Stephanie Plum is very relatable, and the two main male characters Joe Morelli, and Ranger are sizzling hot. Now the big question is how did they stand up to their book characters? For me Morelli (Jason O’Mara) did not, but then again I pictured him more Italian, darker complexion, and much larger in stature. Ranger (Daniel Sunjata) was close, very fit, with that incredible confidence that the role needed. I did read One for the Money prior to seeing the movie and thought it was reasonably good. From the women I talked with, the addiction comes on stronger as you read more of the now 18 book series. How did the book compare to the movie? Like most books gone to theaters, much different, mostly updating. After all, it was published in 1994. Ultimately, it does stay the course of the plot.
Stephanie Plum (Katherine Heigl) a former lingerie buyer finds herself unemployed, divorced and unable to pay her bills. The story starts out in a middle class neighborhood in Trenton, New Jersey. Stephanie’s car is repossessed while she is having dinner with her controlling Mother (Debra Monk), indifferent Father (Louis Mustillo), and fan favorite the zany Grandma Mazur (Debbie Reynolds). It’s suggested to Stephanie that she go see her cousin Vinnie (Patrick Fischler) a bail bondsman for a filing job. Vinnie’s assistant Connie (Ana Reeder) tells Stephanie that she is out of luck, the position has been filled, but she should start finding FTA’s (Failure’s to appear). The pay is 10% of the bond. Rather than settle for the minor cases, Stephanie goes gung ho for Joseph Morelli her one time lover that never called her back. He is a cop, wanted for shooting and killing an unarmed man. His apprehension will pay a whopping $50,000, just what she needs to change her life around. Having very little street savvy, the fast food loving, sassy, sarcastic woman begins her quest to find the guy that broke her heart. She is introduced to Ranger a fellow bounty hunter to help show her the ropes. Stephanie is shown how to handle a gun. She decides on a .38 special, goes through shooting practice with the mocking of the ever so cynical Ranger, and finds herself in one situation after the next that she is ill prepared for. But she is determined to make this profession happen. Heigl met all of my expectations for Miss Plum. Director Julie Anne Robinson, whose first film was Disney’s The Last Song, has found a wonderful niche, and if this series takes off, has possibly 17 more money makers to help with the mortgage payments.
Katherine Heigl in “One for the Money.” Photo by Ron Batzdorff – © 2011 – Lionsgate.
The story goes on with villain Benito Ramerez (Gavin-Keith Umeh) a prize fighter that is truly much scarier in the book. Ramerez is a constant intimidation and threat to hero Stephanie Plum. His manager Jimmy Alpha (John Leguizamo) had a fairly small role, and I wanted more from him. Overall, One for the Money was above average and the writing and directing was well done, outside of Stephanie’s friend or relative (we never really find out), Mary Lou (Annie Parisse) – a character who was not mentioned at all in the book. She had a few phone conversations offering support, but who was she? Childhood friend, maybe the diehard fans know. Also, can’t go without mentioning the two outstanding hookers Lula (Sherri Shepherd) and Jackie (Ryan Michelle Bathe). Just as you might imagine, the worst, tacky clothing known to the prostitution industry, well done! Be warned though One for the Money does contain some violence, some inference of a sexual nature, and brief nudity.
Betsy Cizek
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