Why a long-awaited adaptation of a beloved novel became a notorious critical failure

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: After languishing in development hell for fifteen years, the 2012 adaptation of Janet Evanovich's One for the Money finally hit theaters. Despite high expectations and a star-studded cast, the film was panned by critics and audiences alike, ultimately becoming a commercial disappointment that struggled to find its own identity.

The journey to the screen for One for the Money was fraught with delays. Columbia and TriStar Pictures initially purchased the adaptation rights in 1997, but the project remained stuck in development hell for over a decade. By the time Lionsgate acquired the distribution rights in April 2010, the film had become a long-gestating property that author Janet Evanovich once described as a multi-million dollar franchise left sitting on a shelf. When production finally commenced in July 2010, the crew filmed in various Pennsylvania locations, including Ambridge and Pittsburgh, which were repurposed to double for the story's setting of Trenton, New Jersey.

Upon its January 27, 2012 release, the film was widely criticized for its inability to balance genres. Reviewers frequently described it as an awkward hybrid of a gritty thriller and a romantic comedy, with some critics comparing it unfavorably to a failed television pilot. The script and Katherine Heigl's performance as the protagonist, Stephanie Plum, drew intense scrutiny. Critics argued that Heigl lacked the necessary tenacity for the role, while others felt the film's tone was inconsistent, oscillating between a 'chick-lit' aesthetic and a forced, unconvincing portrayal of New Jersey life.

The film's commercial performance was equally underwhelming. With a production budget of $40 million, it grossed approximately $36.9 million worldwide. In a desperate attempt to boost attendance, the studio utilized discount ticket offers through Groupon, which reportedly accounted for about $1 million of the total box office. Despite the negative reception, which included a 2% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Golden Raspberry Award nomination for Heigl, author Janet Evanovich remained supportive of the adaptation, even stating that she began to envision Heigl when writing the character in her subsequent novels.

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