Talk Film

One for the Money is an adaptation of Janet Evanovich's beloved novel, yet fails to thrill on any level. Appearing mis-script, mis-cast, and mis-directed.

I’m usually the first to rave about Katherine Heigl’s movies – such as the likes of 27 Dresses, and Knocked Up. Yet, One for the Money was by far her most unbearable and soporific work yet. Heigl is such an adorable actress whose natural wit and charm usually coincides perfectly with crude and humorous material, yet her role as harder edge Jersey girl – Stephanie Plum, doesn’t play to her strengths. Plum is supposed to be an independent ‘miss-attitude’, but Heigl’s role in this character appears to flop at every hurdle, proving to be flat, unconvincing and awkward. The only savoir - is that Heigl differs from her usual ‘girl next door cutesy image’ – and appears brunette and dressed as her mum, which inversely prevents the movie from looking like a Jessica Simpson movie.

Stephanie Plum is a divorcee, who’s an unemployed ex-lingerie seller, who has recently lost her car to a debt collector. Desperate for some cash, Stephanie convinces her cousin Vinny to give her a job: as a recovery agent at his bail bonding company. Yes, the girl that is convinced pepper spray is an armed weapon, and who is squeamish at the thought of holding a gun becomes a Bounty Hunter. With no experience she puts herself forward and opts to track down the number one fugitive and bail-jumper – Joe Morelli (Jason O’Mara). The same guy that seduced her at high school…then didn’t call.

The film has no character depth, fails to surprise, and lacks any essence of flirtation or romance. The potential for flirtation and sexual tension is there – yet fails to exude. There are a few moments within the film where you are left hanging, waiting for the erosion, such as when Morelli ties Plum to a shower curtain naked. The banter and potential is there - but there is no connection what-so-ever.

There are parts that may give you the giggles, the majority due to the sassy black hookers, whose ghetto language brings a humorous edge or Plum’s battle-axe grandmother who also has a comedic script – it’s just a shame they have an unimportant small role in the movie.

If you haven’t seen any of Heigl’s previous movies, and don’t expect to see a female James Bond, then you possibly won’t be too disheartened. If you take this film with a pinch of salt, and look past the flaky premise then it’s worth a watch.

Let me know what you think!

Release Date: 24 February 2012

Certificate: 12

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Jason O’Mara, Daniel Sunjata

Director: Julie Anne Robinson