How to Beat the High Cost of Living

Year: 1980

Runtime: 105 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Scheerer

ComedyCrime

Jane, Elaine, and Louise, three friends struggling with the pressures of suburban life and financial hardship, find themselves at a breaking point. Jane faces an unexpected pregnancy with a partner who lacks resources, Elaine is navigating a difficult divorce, and Louise is desperately trying to keep her business afloat. Feeling trapped and seeking a way out, they devise a risky plan to steal from a local mall, hoping for a temporary escape from their overwhelming circumstances and a chance to reclaim control of their lives.

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Timeline & Setting – How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Main Characters – How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

Major Themes – How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)

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Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 23:15

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Movies about desperate comedic schemes like How to Beat the High Cost of Living

When ordinary people are pushed to the edge and resort to a hilarious, chaotic plan.If you enjoyed the chaotic mall heist in How to Beat the High Cost of Living, you'll like these movies. This thread gathers comedies where characters resort to hilarious, desperate measures, blending lighthearted crime with hopeful outcomes and a focus on female friendship.

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread typically begin with relatable characters hitting a low point, often financial or personal. They devise a plan that is far beyond their capabilities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps and chaotic execution. The plot structure is straightforward, moving from problem to plan to farcical outcome, usually concluding with a positive resolution that reinforces the theme of overcoming adversity through camaraderie.

Why These Movies?

These movies are grouped together because they share a unique blend of high-stakes desperation and lighthearted, situational comedy. They feature steady pacing that builds to a chaotic centerpiece, a tone that never becomes overly dark, and a narrative that celebrates resourcefulness and friendship in the face of hardship.

Movies about female friendship and suburban satire like How to Beat the High Cost of Living

Stories of women banding together to rebel against the pressures of suburban life.Fans of the trio's dynamic in How to Beat the High Cost of Living will appreciate these movies. This collection highlights stories of women supporting each other through life's challenges, often with a satirical look at suburban expectations and a lighthearted, hopeful tone.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern centers on a group of female friends who feel constrained by their suburban environment or societal roles. Their shared frustrations become the catalyst for a joint action—whether a small rebellion or a major scheme—that strengthens their bond and offers a critique of their circumstances. The journey is character-driven, emphasizing collaboration and personal growth over intricate plotting.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their focus on the power of female friendship as a vehicle for both comedy and social commentary. They share a specific mood that balances lightheartedness with a satirical edge, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a theme of finding agency and joy within or against a suburban backdrop.

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How to Beat the High Cost of Living Summary

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