George Clooney and Julia Roberts, now there's a dream cast. Throw in Jodie Foster as director and a story that hit's home. What could go wrong?
A Financial TV host Lee Gates (Clooney) and his producer Patty (Roberts) are put in an extreme situation when an irate investor (Jack O' Connell) takes over their studio, threatening to blow Gates into a million pieces, after losing all his money after hedging all his bets on Gate's financial advice.
Think Phone Booth, in a TV studio, with more clichés. And that's the issue with Money Monster. While ultimately, it shows the little guy always gets fucked over, it does it in a way that never really lifts above average. No pun intended, but this is a by the numbers thriller. The story, while adequate yet clichéd, never really raises the tension levels that the trailer promised. There are very few moments where you'll be on the edge of your seat. Which is disappointing considering the cast.
Clooney and Roberts are both guilty of dialing this one in, with neither of them really breaking a sweat, with the odd exception here and there. In the "show" bits, where Clooney is prancing around singing and rapping, the actor never looks comfortable.
However, Jack O Connell is rather mesmerizing and is utterly convincing. The supporting cast, while underused are nothing to write home about. Dominic West is forgettable and Caitriona Balfe is forgettable. Foster does better in the director's chair, keeping things going at a decent pace, which is hard to do considering the majority of this is set in a TV studio.
Arguments can also be made that movies about the financial crisis and shady dealings are out of date at this stage. But, no doubt the movie will resonate with quite alot of people.
Overall, Money Monster, gripes aside, is solid enough. And is just about worth your money. However, don't expect a return on your investment.
A Financial TV host Lee Gates (Clooney) and his producer Patty (Roberts) are put in an extreme situation when an irate investor (Jack O' Connell) takes over their studio, threatening to blow Gates into a million pieces, after losing all his money after hedging all his bets on Gate's financial advice.
Think Phone Booth, in a TV studio, with more clichés. And that's the issue with Money Monster. While ultimately, it shows the little guy always gets fucked over, it does it in a way that never really lifts above average. No pun intended, but this is a by the numbers thriller. The story, while adequate yet clichéd, never really raises the tension levels that the trailer promised. There are very few moments where you'll be on the edge of your seat. Which is disappointing considering the cast.
Clooney and Roberts are both guilty of dialing this one in, with neither of them really breaking a sweat, with the odd exception here and there. In the "show" bits, where Clooney is prancing around singing and rapping, the actor never looks comfortable.
However, Jack O Connell is rather mesmerizing and is utterly convincing. The supporting cast, while underused are nothing to write home about. Dominic West is forgettable and Caitriona Balfe is forgettable. Foster does better in the director's chair, keeping things going at a decent pace, which is hard to do considering the majority of this is set in a TV studio.
Arguments can also be made that movies about the financial crisis and shady dealings are out of date at this stage. But, no doubt the movie will resonate with quite alot of people.
Overall, Money Monster, gripes aside, is solid enough. And is just about worth your money. However, don't expect a return on your investment.
