Mad Money

The week of Sept. 14 was the highest-rated one in CNBC’s 19-year history, with 502,000 viewers during the business day, according to a piece in this weekend's New York Times. Why the ratings spike? The hypothesis is that viewers are tuning in to finance shows like Jim Cramer's Mad Money in search of expert opinions of what's happening to the market and what to expect.

Cramer's usual audience is made up of day traders and market buffs, but as the world of Wall Street continues to undergo a dramatic transformation, he has gone back to the basics — he is quoted as saying he now has to explain "arcane financial concepts like credit-default swaps to an audience that was double its usual size and spooked by the market’s moves."

The ratings have also skyrocketed at Fox News Channel, CNN and MSNBC in recent weeks. Have you been turning on the TV for some expert advice?

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All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can now rent the Diane Lane thriller Untraceable, Francis Ford Coppola's Youth Without Youth, and Mad Money.

The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters stars Denzel Washington (who also directs), Forest Whitaker and newcomer Nate Parker in a movie that is maybe formulaic but also poignant and powerfully acted. As I pointed out in my review, the film borrows the the same elements of storytelling you find in underdog sports movies and inspirational teacher movies. However the film, based on a true story, is no less inspiring thanks to some moving performances.

The movie takes place in Texas circa 1935 when schools were segregated and economic times were hard all around. A group of young black college students work to become a debate team worthy of challenging Harvard. Washington plays the hard-driving debate team coach who encourages his students to succeed. You've definitely seen this all before in one form or another, but it's a great family rental with an inspirational message. The movie was honored earlier this year with an NAACP Award to boot.

Special features include deleted scenes and featurettes titled, "The Great Debaters: An Historical Perspective," and "Learning the Art: Our Young Actors Go to Debate Camp."

One more release to go so read more

January usually isn't the month to expect big things at the box office, but Cloverfield just changed all of that. JJ Abrams' monster flick was No. 1 at the box office this weekend, earning an estimated $41 million and setting an all-time January record, Variety reports. Katherine Heigl's 27 Dresses came in a respectable No. 2 earning $22.4 million — another great opening for this time of year.

On the other hand, the ladies of Mad Money didn't fare well at all over the weekend, coming in low down the list at No. 7. The Bucket List took the third slot while audiences continued to enjoy the little comedy that could, Juno, which came in No. 4.

Despite this weekend's huge numbers, we might not be done yet: Studios could gross even more today if moviegoers head to the theaters on their day off.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Fortunately, I don't think I'll be ruining your weekend plans. The votes indicate that Mad Money is the new movie you least want to see. I don't blame you. From the looks of the trailer, I had mediocre expectations at best but I was secretly crossing my fingers that MM would be a guilty pleasure (a la The First Wives Club). Or that it might turn out to be an intelligent bank robbery flick like Bandits. Unfortunately Mad Money proves to be neither deliciously bad nor covertly smart. It's just bad-bad and dumb-dumb.

The first problem — and it's a big one — is that almost everybody in this film is miscast. Let's begin with Diane Keaton who plays Bridget, an upper-middle class housewife who is forced to get a job after her husband (Ted Danson) is laid off. In theory this makes sense, but the execution — as we watch Bridget search for a job that will utilize her comparative literature degree then quickly accept a janitor position when the first couple interviews don't pan out — feels forced. As does Ms. Keaton's performance. Next is Katie Holmes who does not stop dancing throughout the entire film. It's supposed to be quirky and endearing, but more than anything it's annoying. Lastly, Queen Latifah is only as good as her roles allow her to be. And sadly, obnoxious stereotypes withstanding, there isn't a lot for her to work with.

To read what else I thought about Mad Money read more

Tom and Katie put on their best sunglasses (you know, because NYC is so bright even after sunset) to meet up with Jessica and Jerry Seinfeld for dinner last night. The Seinfelds decided to dress down a bit for the occasion, but luckily Tom and Katie were fancy enough for all. The foursome didn't make a late night of it though, because Katie got up bright and early this morning to join her Mad Money co-stars in ringing the bell to open NASDAQ in Times Square. Those ladies have been everywhere promoting the film, but it's still not even close to being your first choice at the theaters this weekend.

More pics of Katie, Tom, Jerry, Jessica, and the ladies of Mad Money, so just read more

Katie Holmes continued her stunning streak with another fabulous look at the premiere of her latest movie Mad Money. Katie loves her strapless beaded Armani dresses and although Posh is clearly her inspiration, maybe it should be vice versa. As for Mad Money, while the flick looks a bit ridic, it does include Oscar winner Diane Keaton and nominee Queen Latifah so maybe there's something we're missing. Katie's co-stars looked great on the green carpet as well and even Tom made an extra effort in his velvet ensemble. He is quite the supportive husband who even had a touching intense moment with Queen Latifah who btw makes him look wee-tiny.

For lots more pics of the lovely ladies and more men just read more

Opening January 18, 2008 Mad Money finds three ladies forming an unlikely team to rob their employer. Apparently, it's based on a true story. It appears that there's the sassy lady played by Queen Latifah, Diane Keaton plays the clever older lady and Katie Holmes has the role of the quirky free spirit who dances her way, um, everywhere. Also, Arthur Frobisher Ted Danson is in the film. To check out the trailer for Mad Money which looks neither bad nor awesome, read more

OMG precious Suri sighting! Extra has a video (after the jump) of an adorable Suri on the set of Mad Money with her mommy Katie Holmes. Not only do I like the curly hair on Katie, but also her arms are looking fabulously toned these days. It must be carrying around one-year-old Suri so much. As for that little girl, her hair is just so spectacular I can't take it! No wonder she needs her own hair stylist. Extra wants to know, who do you think Suri looks more like, Mom or Dad? To watch the clip of the mother and daughter just read more

Katie Holmes is hard at work on Mad Money, but she's still got time to pull a few surprises on the cast and crew. For the past three weeks she's celebrated Friday by bringing special treats to the set. She's rewarded everyone with ice cream, cupcakes and pizza, the last of which she had flown in from Chicago! Sounds like a pretty sweet coworker, we wonder what she'll pull out for the wrap party!

Meanwhile it looks like Tom and Katie have another performer in the family. When Tom introduced his littlest one on the set Suri impressed everyone by singing, talking and even waved "bye bye" as she left. We can't wait to see her new tricks!

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