With so many new films being released over the past few weeks, Josie and I decided to head off to Reading Cinemas in West Lakes, South Australia for a quick movie session. Tonight we decided to see the Sony Pictures distributed Money Monster directed by two-time Oscar award winner and Hollywood legend Jodie Foster. The film also had a star-studded cast with another two Oscar award-winning actors George Clooney (Syriana) and Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich) adding their presence to this crime/drama/thriller.
So what happens when a publicly listed company suddenly loses $800 million? During a live financial television show hosted by Lee Gates (Clooney) and produced by Patty Fenn (Roberts). Kyle, an armed disgruntled investor played by Jack O’Connell (Unbroken) makes his way into the studio holding the live show hostage. Kyle demands answers from Gates and the companies CEO, Walt Camby (Domenic West) who he holds responsible for the loses incurred by its investors.
The majority of the movie revolves around the tensions within the studio, as well as the relationships and search for truth between the three main characters. Charismatic, Clooney plays an arrogant type character caught up in himself, but as time goes on that arrogance disappears and he becomes determined to seek the truth. Julia Roberts plays another strong female character, who takes control of a bad situation and is forced to be the conduit between the studio ongoings and the outside world. Jack O’Connell plays a desperate angry, but unsure young man, who feels he has nothing more to lose.
Foster tells a story that has the ability to keep the audience interested, but it also triggers an internal realisation that humans seek enjoyment from the misfortunes of others, and this concept shows throughout the whole story. Money Monster is good without being great, and the cast’s acting is sincere. At time during this film I would ask myself some questions like, why would they do that and would that really happen in that situation? But once you get past them the film is quite enjoyable.
Ratings: 1-10 (1=very poor, 10 = excellent
Cinematography = 6
Storyline = 7
Characters & Acting = 7
Overall = 7
