Movie Review: One For The Money

Blurb: A film based on the incredibly popular Stephanie Plum books by Janet Evanovich, One for the Money reveals an unexpectedly versatile Katherine Heigl. This model-turned-actress is best known for her role as Dr. Izzie Stevens on Grey's Anatomy and for starring in various lighthearted romantic comedies, but here Heigl takes on the meaty role of Plum, a laid-off lingerie buyer who turns bondswoman in a desperate attempt to pay the rent and put food on the table. Heigl is surprisingly believable as a blue-collar working girl who thinks fast on her feet and is not afraid to throw herself into the middle of even the most dangerous situation--especially if it means getting what she wants. Of course, Stephanie's impulsiveness manages to get her into all sorts of awkward and potentially life-threatening situations. Throw in her desire for payback against an old boyfriend, a sleazy cousin, a gang of ruthless criminals, a couple of most unexpected allies, and a quirky family who can think of little more than setting her up with a good husband, and you've got an enticing blend of drama, action, and comedy. Debbie Reynolds is quite funny as Grandma Mazur, Daniel Sunjata makes a great Ranger, and there's definitely a nice chemistry between Heigl and Jason O'Mara. Bonus features include an 11-minute making-of featurette, a 10-minute look at some real-life "bond girls," a gag reel, and one deleted scene.

Review: I really expected this film to be awful, but surprisingly enough, it wasn't. Katherine Heigl really looks like what I'd imagine Stephanie Plum to look like. (Sandra Bullock would have been a better choice, but hey, you can't win them all). I was pretty ok with the casting, except for Ranger. Daniel Sunjata may look the part...and that was debatable, but he didn't fit the part. I think he spoke too much. Anyone that's read the books knows that Ranger is a man of few words most of them are "babe."

I loved Jason O'Mara's Morelli. Who would have thought an Irishmen could play an Italian so well? Maybe it is because he's so damn sexy. I loved him in Life On Mars.

The things that bothered me about this film were more the little things, like not using Grandma enough in the film. Heck, Stephanie's whole family felt like they were put on the back burner, not to mention Lula! Though Lula wasn't a huge fixture in the first book.

Still, I found it enjoyable enough to pass the time. There were enough laughs and a few cars getting blown up to remind me how much I love Stephanie Plum and Janet Evanovich!