FRIENDS WITH MONEY

"I'm a cleaner"

For friends Jane (McDormand), Franny (Cusack), Christine (Keener) and Olivia (Aniston), life is taking a bit of a turn. Jane has just turned forty-three and menopause is about to take over her life but she isn't coping very well. Franny and her husband Matt have so much money that all they can do is throw expensive fundraising dinners to give some of it away. Christine is in the middle of her latest screenplay and a giant expansion of her house, which is taking its toll on her marriage to David (Isaacs). But it is Olivia that everyone is concerned about because she is the only one who isn't married, has no life plan and makes her money as a cleaner.

With all her other 'Friends' struggling to break away from the hit TV series, Jennifer Aniston is becoming the shining light of Hollywood.

Life after appearing on a huge TV show it was always going to be a problem for anyone but for an actor who appeared in 'Friends' it has been extremely difficult. Jennifer Aniston has had better luck however and that is because of making better choices. Her marriage and divorce from Brad Pitt might have also helped but there is no denying that she was probably the most talented performer on the show.

By making better choices and not just appearing in potential Hollywood blockbusters, Jennifer Aniston is really forging a credible career for herself. Adding to this reputation, she joins the impressive ensemble cast in 'Friends with Money'. Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, who returns from an extended stint on the small screen, directing hit shows like 'Sex in the City', 'The Gilmore Girls' and 'Six Feet Under' to bring us another character driven comedy-drama. With four strong female characters as the leads, we are given a snippet of their lives as each of them enters a pivotal time. The film deals with divorce, menopause, guilt and a lack of confidence that is holding them back from starting a life.

Bringing this story of friendship to life is an excellent ensemble cast. As well as Jennifer Aniston playing the unfortunate Olivia who has to scrape a living as a cleaner, you have stellar performances from Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack and Catherine Keener. Frances McDormand is one of the best actresses working in cinema today and she proves it again as Jane. After her forty-third birthday, she realises that a change is coming not just to her body but also to her life. This is an exceptional performance by the actress, as her character provides most of the funny moments in the movie. Catherine Keener's Christine has most of the drama to contend with. As she and her husband David, played by respected British actor Jason Isaacs, become more and more distant, she finally figure out that she wants completely different things to him. This is the emotional story of the film and Keener raise to the challenge. The always-excellent Joan Cusack has probably the most underdeveloped character of the four leads. Her character Franny and her husband Matt, played by TV veteran Greg Germann, only have to think of ways to spend their money. This is a shame as Joan Cusack is a gifted comedic actress.

'Friends with Money' is a character driven drama that doesn't really go anywhere. Only Jennifer Aniston's character has any real resolution and you are left wanting to know more about the other three. While this is frustrating as you have invested your time and emotions in the characters, you have still witness some excellent performances from a quality cast.