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'Friends With Money': Worth getting to know

Writer-director Nicole Holofcener's sharply observed film will get attention because of Jennifer Aniston, but she's actually the least riveting character on screen.

Sony Pictures Classics 'Friends With Money' 2 out of 5 stars The verdict: Boasts a great cast and sharp, observant writing. Director: Nicole Holofcener Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Keener, Frances McDormand, Joan Cusack, Jason Isaacs Run time: 88 minutes Release date: April 7, 2006 Rating: R for language, some sexual content and brief drug use. See showtimes Meet the director Five good reasons you'd want to be Nicole Holofcener's friend. On the web Official movie site View the trailer    Trailers require Quicktime [an error occurred while processing this directive]

It's not all her fault.

As the lone single, poor member of a group of wealthy, married friends, Aniston's Olivia is the least developed character. And while Aniston is certainly competent as an actress, she can't compete with the powerhouse triumverate of Joan Cusack, Frances McDormand and Catherine Keener.

Holofcener ("Walking and Talking," "Lovely & Amazing") packs the film with uncomfortable truths. It talks a lot about a subject friends are loath to acknowledge — the tension between haves and have-nots — but is never ponderous or bleak.

Holofcener creats a world that's joltingly real, scathingly funny and — in a sweet surprise — optimistic at its heart.