How to Beat the High Cost of Living

Two women, one plan to survive the high cost of living.

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Synopsis

How to Beat the High Cost of Living is a 1980 American comedy-drama that follows the lives of two women, Nancy Kimbrough (played by Susan Saint James) and Margie Solomon (played by Jane Curtin), who are struggling to make ends meet in the face of economic hardship. With their jobs and financial security on the line, they hatch a plan to rob a shopping mall in an effort to overcome their financial troubles. The film blends humor with social commentary, exploring themes of friendship, desperation, and the lengths people will go to in order to survive. It reflects the economic anxieties of the late 1970s and early 1980s in the United States.

Cast

Reviews

How to Beat the High Cost of Living received mixed to negative reviews from critics. On IMDb, it holds a moderate rating of 6.0/10, indicating a lukewarm reception from viewers who appreciated the film's premise and performances but found the execution lacking. Conversely, Metacritic assigns the film a score of 30/100, signaling generally unfavorable reviews. Critics often noted that while the film attempted to address relevant social issues with a comedic touch, it struggled with pacing and tonal inconsistencies. Some praised Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin's chemistry and comedic timing, highlighting their ability to carry the film despite its shortcomings. Others felt the plot was predictable and the humor underwhelming. Rotten Tomatoes does not have a formal aggregated rating for this film, reflecting its status as a lesser-known title from the era. Overall, How to Beat the High Cost of Living is seen as a film with earnest intentions that ultimately falls short in execution but contains moments of charm thanks to its lead actresses.