Friends With Money MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand, Catherine Keener, Jason Isaacs, Scott Caan. Comedy/drama.

F. W. M. examines the shifting relationships between four women who have been friends all of their adult lives. As they settle into their early middle age, their friendship is increasingly challenged by the ever-growing disparity in their individual degrees of financial comfort.

A depressing but somewhat insightful look at several quirky middle class couples unable to find happiness and fulfillment. Sadly, the film does not offer the prospect of a spiritual realization as an answer to their lack of esteem. By films end, the characters eliminate some people from their lives and accept others who manage to bare the same foibles as those theyve rejected.

Nice acting, but as I say, theres no solid answer given to their distress and we have spent nearly 90 minutes with neurotic, grumpy, forlorn people who discuss their sex lives in graphic detail and whos only concession to things religious is the misuse of Gods name and that of His Sons. Like a made-for-Lifetime network movie, only with more explicit gynecological-based humor and pornographic dialogue, the film leaves us unsatisfied and downhearted.

My video alternative suggestion: Enchanted April, a delightful fable about four women in 1920s London escaping inattentive husbands and repressed lifestyles by renting a castle in Portofino. They soon discover the estate has a magical effect on all those who stay there. Witty dialogue, dreamy cinematography, and savory performances from Joan Plowright, Polly Walker and the rest of the cast.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Sony Classics