How to Beat the High Cost of Living
How to Beat the High Cost of Living

How to Beat the High Cost of Living

1980Movie105 minEnglish

In order to beat inflation and subsidize their alimony checks, three suburban housewives plot to steal $1 million from a large plastic ball which is displayed in a local shopping center.

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Insights

IMDb5.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes20%
Director: Robert ScheererGenres: Comedy, Crime

Plot Summary

In a desperate attempt to escape their financial woes, three middle-aged women decide to embark on a life of crime. Their target: a prestigious tennis club and its wealthy patrons. They devise a cunning plan to steal designer outfits and other valuables, hoping to sell them and significantly improve their economic situation. However, their ambitious scheme soon attracts the attention of the police and a determined insurance investigator, turning their adventure into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse.

Critical Reception

The film received a largely negative reception from critics, who found its premise and execution to be lacking. While some acknowledged the potential for a lighthearted caper, most felt the execution was amateurish and failed to deliver on its comedic or suspenseful elements. Audience reception was similarly lukewarm, contributing to its limited commercial success.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film suffers from a weak and uninspired plot.
  • The performances are generally considered to be uninspired, failing to elevate the material.
  • Despite its comedic aspirations, the film lacks genuine laughs and tension.

Google audience: N/A

Fun Fact

The film marked one of the earliest on-screen appearances for actor Christopher Guest, who would later gain significant fame for his mockumentary films.

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