Pain Money - Blu-ray

Movie: Actually, Alice (Juno Temple) and John (Michael Angarano) are a very happy couple. But unfortunately, they are also chronically broke. Because she doesn't have a decent degree, she just can't get a job. And John, who actually had one, gets fired because he just can't hide how boring he finds selling warranties for electrical appliances. But when they have an accident one day right in front of an antique store, fate finally seems to mean well with them. For here they find a magic tea kettle that keeps spitting out money - but only when Alice and John inflict pain on themselves. So they treat themselves to a slap in the face, go to the dentist for treatment without anaesthetic and get a bit wilder in the bedroom. But then they discover that the teapot spits out money even when someone else nearby is feeling pain. And since they can't get enough of their newly acquired wealth, things soon threaten to escalate - especially since there are some people who seem to be on to their secret...

With Pain Money, filmmaker Ramaa Mosley has directed the feature version of her 2007 short The Brass Teapot. The story is amusing and original, taking on almost satirical overtones at some particularly successful moments. The staging sometimes seems a bit clumsy and could have used a bit more bite in some moments. On the other hand, there are also scenes that leave a somewhat pale aftertaste - for example when the tea kettle is made responsible for some particularly bad events in the story. But overall, this fantasy comedy does work very well, though, which is not only due to the story but also to the two leads.

Because Juno Temple and Michael Angarano manage very well to bring their characters to life and make them very likeable protagonists who you absolutely begrudge their newfound wealth - even if they cross some lines to do so. And they also manage to fill the rather absurd story with a certain credibility. As a viewer, you understand why Alice and John change because of the money and you hope with them that they still continue to recognize what is right and what is morally wrong. This gives the whole thing a thoroughly exciting dramaturgy, which at the beginning you wouldn't believe could actually arise in this rather absurd setting.

In the final act, the individual plot threads then threaten to slip out of Mosley's hands and the story threatens to culminate in an overly chaotic finale. But again, what shouldn't work works surprisingly well in the end. The ending is satisfying and conclusive. And even if the bottom line lacks the last kick to turn the movie from nice entertainment to a real highlight, there is no reason after watching it to want to claim pain money from the distributor. Overall, a nice indie fun with good actors, which despite some minor derailments still deserves a worth seeing.

Picture + Sound: The Blu-ray presents the film in good picture and sound quality. The visuals are pleasing with a high level of image sharpness and a powerful blend of colors. The matching of contrasts and black levels is also on a good level and support the overall positive impression throughout. The audio is present in a fairly lively DTS-HD Master Audio mix, with decent surround effects every now and then to keep things moving in the multichannel realm. Good!

Extras: In addition to the trailer, bonus features include some cut scenes (approx. 12:09 min.), as well as an alternate opening (approx. 3:08 min.) that reveals more about the mythology of the tea kettle. The rather elaborate scene isn't really lacking from the film, as you don't really need the information shown here. However, the alternative beginning is worth seeing.

Conclusion: With Pain Money, Ramaa Mosley has directed a nice indie comedy with some fantasy and a dash of satire, which can entertain especially through the charming actors and the original starting idea. Even if not every gag fits and not every twist works, a very positive overall impression remains in the end. This is also due to the good technical realization, the bonus material, however, is a bit meager. No masterpiece, but at least an original, solidly crafted story. And for this alone there is already a clear: Recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp