Just what I expected

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Great movie! If you want to be entertained and have a few good laughs, see this movie. The music is also very good,

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

Unemployed South Philadelphia dockworker John Cusack (as Joseph "Joey" Coyle) can't even get picked for day work by his own brother James Gandolfini (as William "Billy" Coyle). Still, he gets a tuna sandwich to share with buddy Michael Rapaport (as Kenny Kozlowski). On the road, the men are behind a truck when something falls out onto the street. Thinking it might make a good tool box, Mr. Cusack stops retrieves the container, which turns out to enclose $1.2 million...His friend advises turning in the money for a reward, but Cusack wants it all...A "Tareyton" smoker, Cusack would rather fight than switch. Realizing the smiling Ben Franklins need to be "laundered," Cusack brings a portion of the cash to former Catholic school classmate-turned-hood Benicio Del Toro (as Dino Palladino) and his gangster boss Maury Chaykin (as Vincente Goldoni). Cusack also finds out how easily money can get ex-girlfriend Debi Mazar (as Monica Russo) aroused. Like Dire Straits said, "Money for nothing" gets you "chicks for free." While all of this is going on, detective Michael Madsen (as Laurenzi) is trying to find the missing money...This is an entertaining picture by Ramon Menendez and his crew, but the winning situation (poor Philadelphia guy gets a chance to be rich) might have worked better as a drama; possibly, the project started as such and changed direction. The film begins with the dramatic phrase, "Based on a true story." This telegraphs the outcome and removes some of your investment in the lead character, unfortunately; many people (like me) being unfamiliar with the real-life Joseph John Coyle.****** Money for Nothing (9/10/93) Ramon Menendez ~ John Cusack, Debi Mazar, Michael Madsen, Benicio Del Toro

I enjoyed the movie (in parts) for what it is and what it delivers: a guy finds a million bucks and almost gets away with it. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, but that doesn't mean it's without its faults. At times it makes sense, other times it doesn't. Essentially, the movie isn't anything more than the basic storyline. I don't recall seeing a villain here. The movie does go somewhere, but I think it really would have if the movie had one, especially in a movie about lost (or found, however you choose to look at it) money. Without a villain, and/or a sidekick, "Money for Nothing" barely takes off. And how in the world does this cop (played by Michael Madsen) know where Joey Coyle is if he dyed is hair blonde, and said on the phone he was already on the plane? That's beyond me. See this if you're not expecting too much.**1/2 out of ****

What would you do if you'd accidentally find 1.2 million dollars? Take it, although it's illegal and the whole police will be on your trail? Or return it, get a 20.000 dollars reward, but live patiently, with no problems? That's the theme of the movie and the lucky guy that finds the money is John Cusack. Worth to watch, but still too simple plot (it's a theme that could've lead to great situations), predictable ending, poor acting and not tensed at all. Vote: 5 out of 10.

This movie made about as much money in its theatrical release as Joey Coyle found in the road. And that's a damn shame. (I was 1 of the few people who saw it the weekend it opened and closed) While it's not a great movie, there are so many talented actors in it, and the story is so sadly compelling that all I can do is say watch it.