Money Monster

A much over-used and tired fight movie that impresses only in the way it manages to combine several thematic relics from different times into a single whole. Namely, the illusion of the omnipotence of television, the Occupy syndrome, the cunning bankers who cannot be brought down except by popular grassroots justice, or the common folk connected by a television screen in the upper corner of a room in a cozy bar. Although it manages at times to update the entire framework by punishing the main capitalist with an internet meme or deliberately knocking itself down a level in a joyous video conference scene with the knocked-up moll of a young terrorist, the final climax with its endlessly incompetent police, chanting people, and epilogue fist in the air in the face of a criminal bourgeois quickly reminds us what kind of film museum we are actually in. (2016-10-20)

It seemed to me that I already saw something like this somewhere else and made better. A fine idea, but more work was need on the screenplay and it lacks an emotional climax. The kidnapper is unpleasant and O'Connell doesn’t have enough charisma to make up for the flatness of his character and his imperfect intentions. Clooney isn’t cast well even though he gives a decent performance, I could maybe imagine Downey in the role. Dominic West just turned up to pick up his wages, which is a shame. Foster isn’t good at drama and several times she spoils a perfectly good subplot which could have engaged the viewer. I liked the overall message, the realistic consequence of a cliché situations and the well illustrated corporate structure, but it had much more potential. (2016-08-20)

I contemplated why I shouldn’t give this movie five stars. It may give you the feeling of being seen a hundred times but if it keeps you in suspense for almost the whole movie, it is proof of quality. I would certainly also praise the premise, which appeared to be another one of the hyper-modern techno thrillers from the world of money initially only for it to become a completely simple and straightforward suspenseful movie that reminded me for the full one hour and a half of Phone Booth by Joel Schumacher. But it reminded me of it only because I couldn’t tear myself away from the TV. And if that’s the case, what other thriller deserves a better rating than this one? (2016-12-24)

Money Monster is thriller with a nice concept but a weak dramatic drive. The emotional ending is impressive, but everything before that is neither as engaging and dynamic as in Ron Howard’s Ransom nor as cleverly plotted as in Spike Lee’s Inside Man. What it is, though, is as forgettable as Costa-Gavras’s Mad City. I am surprised that someone as ambitious as George Clooney agreed to produce this. Maybe he relied on the director’s more personal input (and talent). (2016-08-09)

I definitely wouldn’t have guessed Jodie Foster would transition to directing, but lo and behold, she’s done it, and her debut turned out to be exceptionally good. Don’t expect a film that’s constantly in motion; this one takes a different approach. The lead duo of George Clooney and Julia Roberts delivering exceptional performances is a strong guarantee of quality, as they are top-notch actors. And I shouldn’t forget Jack O'Connell, who hasn’t given such a convincing performance in a long time (aside from Eden Lake, where he excelled). Films centered around uncertain business deals and investing in various companies are quite rare, and with the added suspense, you shouldn’t hesitate and just watch the film. I’ve always been fascinated by films set in a single location, where you rely on the actors and their credible delivery of lines, since the audience doesn’t look away much. It had a few slower moments, but everything was building up to the finale, which I guessed immediately, but that didn’t bother me at all. Sometimes straightforwardness isn’t a bad thing. I give it 77%. (2017-11-02)