One for the Money

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Release Date: 24 February 2012

Directed by: Julie Anne Robinson

Starring: Katherine Heigl, Jason O'Mara, Daniel Sunjata, John Leguizamo, Sherri Shepherd, Debbie Reynolds, Debra Monk, Nate Mooney, Adam Paul, Fisher Stevens

The professional demise of one Katherine Heigl continues, as she headlines another insipid flick that she quite probably sees as a departure from more straight up romantic fare. The kicker really is that Heigl is a talented comedic performer, but generally speaking actresses of her ilk mix the aforementioned mainstream romantic fare with more challenging work - which she hasn't done since Knocked Up. She does her best here, but One For The Money is as schizophrenic a production as they come.
Based on the popular series of books by Janet Evanovich, the plot centres on former lingerie saleswoman turned bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum (Heigl). Plum's first gig as a bounty hunter is to track down former flame (and possible murderer) Joe Morelli (our very own Jason O'Mara), which naturally has a bunch of complications. The first in a possible series of films, there is more of a chance of Jesus being seen in the anus of a small dog than that actually happening... oh right.
Anyone remember the Jennifer Aniston/Gerard Butler starrer The Bounty Hunter a couple of years ago? No? Thought not. This is a similar production, just with the gender of the two main characters switched - and every bit as crap. There's only so much your leads can do when they're given material so obviously lacking and Heigl really does try. Her character is from New Jersey (think Jersey Shore) and the accent changes so drastically at points it borders on comical. She doesn't exactly play to her strengths, but the only new ground being broken in terms of character is said accent. O'Mara has leading man written all over him, and hopefully he gets another bash at being romantic lead on the big screen - you can already see him on US show Terra Nova.
A lot of the blame here must land not just at the feet of the scripters, but also at Julie Anne Robinson who, tonally, doesn't know her arse from her elbow. The movie veers from comedy to thriller territory so quickly (and awkwardly) each time the actors look like they're caught off guard. That's down to the director, and she doesn't make her main players look well here; although Sunjata and Leguizamo have their moments.
Best avoided.

Review by Mike Sheridan