Money for Nothing

"Money For Nothing" is a watchable little movie, but nothing spectacular. How could it be really, when it's based on a premise that's not particularly interesting in the first place? A guy finds some money and the police is looking for the money. There you go.

The real reason to watch this is the amazing cast, which wasn't very well known yet in 1993 when this movie was made. Michael Madsen, Benicio Del Toro, Philip Seymour Hoffman and James Gandolfini all in one movie, that's really a treat. The shining light, however, is the leading star himself. This may not be John Cusack's best movie, but it may very well be his best performance.

"Money For Nothing" suffers a bit from the fact that it can't decide whether it wants to be a drama, a crime story or a comedy. Still, it makes for an enjoyable viewing. Catch it, if it's on TV.

I have always been a big John Cusack fan and out of all the movies he's made I think that MONEY FOR NOTHING is his best one. It's smart, funny, intense, and has great performances from John Cusack and Debi Mazar. It may not be the best movie in history, but at least it will keep you entertained for a few hours.

Unemployed South Philadelphia dockworker John Cusack (as Joseph "Joey" Coyle) can't even get picked for day work by his own brother James Gandolfini (as William "Billy" Coyle). Still, he gets a tuna sandwich to share with buddy Michael Rapaport (as Kenny Kozlowski). On the road, the men are behind a truck when something falls out onto the street. Thinking it might make a good tool box, Mr. Cusack stops retrieves the container, which turns out to enclose $1.2 million...

His friend advises turning in the money for a reward, but Cusack wants it all...

A "Tareyton" smoker, Cusack would rather fight than switch. Realizing the smiling Ben Franklins need to be "laundered," Cusack brings a portion of the cash to former Catholic school classmate-turned-hood Benicio Del Toro (as Dino Palladino) and his gangster boss Maury Chaykin (as Vincente Goldoni). Cusack also finds out how easily money can get ex-girlfriend Debi Mazar (as Monica Russo) aroused. Like Dire Straits said, "Money for nothing" gets you "chicks for free."

While all of this is going on, detective Michael Madsen (as Laurenzi) is trying to find the missing money...

This is an entertaining picture by Ramon Menendez and his crew, but the winning situation (poor Philadelphia guy gets a chance to be rich) might have worked better as a drama; possibly, the project started as such and changed direction. The film begins with the dramatic phrase, "Based on a true story." This telegraphs the outcome and removes some of your investment in the lead character, unfortunately; many people (like me) being unfamiliar with the real-life Joseph John Coyle.

****** Money for Nothing (9/10/93) Ramon Menendez ~ John Cusack, Debi Mazar, Michael Madsen, Benicio Del Toro

"Money for Nothing" shows us what one man did when he found that sum in the streets of South Philly and learned that "finders-keepers" is not an easy caveat to abide. A not-to-be-taken-seriously light drama full of familiar faces which rolls along with tongue-in-cheek, "Money for Nothing" makes for a fast moving sofa spud watch now on broadcast. (C+)

This movie made about as much money in its theatrical release as Joey Coyle found in the road. And that's a damn shame. (I was 1 of the few people who saw it the weekend it opened and closed) While it's not a great movie, there are so many talented actors in it, and the story is so sadly compelling that all I can do is say watch it.