We all watch CNBC. Or one of those national financial advisory channels that closely follow the markets. And put our money where the experts advise us to. Now, Lee Gates is one such star-host, making his millions hosting this show called "Money Monster". One day, a victim, Kyle Budwell, breaks into the studio and takes Gates hostage, live on-air following an 800 million USD crash of a company, Ibis Capital, which Gates had rooted investors to put all their money into, just a couple of weeks earlier.
Recently inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this does appear to be Jodie Foster's biggest directorial venture, with a star-cast boasting of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. This sexagenarian appears to be going the Clint Eastwood or Woody Allen way, and I find such passionate people, who never give up on life, both inspiring and plausible.
The movie does keep you engaged - especially the first-half. Remember, this ain't without loopholes, as the hostage drama part is flimsy and too starry in places.
Jack O'Connell is convincing as the loser, dealing with psychological issues, first having lost his mother six months ago, working in a fourteen dollars an hour job in an expensive place like New York. And to make things and his life worse, losing sixty thousand dollars following the Ibis Capital crash. His was the toughest role to play, amongst the cast, and he comes out tops. I think he does well in such roles, and reminded me of another movie where he was even far more impressive, "This is England". (Which reminds me, I am yet to watch Unbroken for which he received rave reviews, too.)
George Clooney is sincere and natural, but his character is too starry, and I like watching him more in movies like The Descendants, where he was absolutely adorable. His chemistry with Julia Roberts, though, is terrific, and they complement each other very well. She plays the director of the show. They also have some cool lines between them.
The script is good, but the screenplay is a little too slick. It's a difficult subject to film, and that's where movies like Zero Dark Thirty or a Sicario excels - making it more memorable and realistic. Maybe taking away some of the cool sarcasm would have helped. And definitely making the NYPD look clueless. I mean, come on! :D I will remember this as a film that had far more great potential, for the premise was top-notch, only to lose it's sheen into the middle.
My verdict: 3 out of 5 stars.
Recently inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this does appear to be Jodie Foster's biggest directorial venture, with a star-cast boasting of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. This sexagenarian appears to be going the Clint Eastwood or Woody Allen way, and I find such passionate people, who never give up on life, both inspiring and plausible.
The movie does keep you engaged - especially the first-half. Remember, this ain't without loopholes, as the hostage drama part is flimsy and too starry in places.
Jack O'Connell is convincing as the loser, dealing with psychological issues, first having lost his mother six months ago, working in a fourteen dollars an hour job in an expensive place like New York. And to make things and his life worse, losing sixty thousand dollars following the Ibis Capital crash. His was the toughest role to play, amongst the cast, and he comes out tops. I think he does well in such roles, and reminded me of another movie where he was even far more impressive, "This is England". (Which reminds me, I am yet to watch Unbroken for which he received rave reviews, too.)
George Clooney is sincere and natural, but his character is too starry, and I like watching him more in movies like The Descendants, where he was absolutely adorable. His chemistry with Julia Roberts, though, is terrific, and they complement each other very well. She plays the director of the show. They also have some cool lines between them.
The script is good, but the screenplay is a little too slick. It's a difficult subject to film, and that's where movies like Zero Dark Thirty or a Sicario excels - making it more memorable and realistic. Maybe taking away some of the cool sarcasm would have helped. And definitely making the NYPD look clueless. I mean, come on! :D I will remember this as a film that had far more great potential, for the premise was top-notch, only to lose it's sheen into the middle.
My verdict: 3 out of 5 stars.
Comments