Movie: Money Monster
Direction: Jodie Foster
Cast: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell, Dominic West, Caitriona Balfe, Giancarlo Esposito
Music: Dominic Lewis
Cinematographer: Matthew Libatique
Editor: Matt Chesse
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Rating: ∗∗∗½
What is it about: It’s a satirical thriller which ponders the nuances on the stock trading from the stock holder point of view. Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) loses $60,000 in stock invested in “Ibis” headed by Walt Camby (Dominic West). This loss led him to dig deep, for which he takes Lee Gates(George Clooney) the host of Money Monster as hostage during a live telecast and threatens to blow him if not given explanation. What happens next forms the crux of the story directed by Jodie Foster.
Why it’s disappointing: The film as interesting it sounds does fare pretty well. But it kind of gets quite soft in the center with the melodrama. Which makes the moot point not that moot at all. It does ventures in to the argument quite well, but doesn’t sustain the intensity.
What to watch out for: Despite the obvious, the film has its charm in the name of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. These two put up a great show which keeps you hooked for the full run time.
The film doesn’t dull at any point, it keeps moving at a great pace and keeps you second guessing the whole time. The writing was tight and had witty dialogues which becomes wittier as it moves forward.
George Clooney gives a great performance once again with no doubt, which is well matched by Julia Roberts who doesn’t give up. Jack O’Connell gave a commendable performance as the victim.
The cinematography was an edgy one by Matthew Libatique backed by a sharp edit by Matt Cheese.
Verdict: Jodie Foster with her 4th directorial venture, does bring an economic angst among the citizens in a cinematic way. Which gives you an entertaining thriller keeping you at the edge. Despite of being soft here and there, it’s quite rough around the edges.
