Review of Money Monster (2016) by Maksim B — 15 Jan 2017

Undeservedly underestimated by the critics, Money Monster is a compelling, mildly sarcastic and fast-paced thriller that also manages to partially capture the social-economic tensions of recent years. With tense plot, albeit predictable towards the end, and the commanding presence of its leading star, the movie is in fact an intriguing and entertaining take on the effects of media on the post-modern financial world.

Lee Gates (George Clooney) is a TV host extremely popular with his financial show. Arrogant, craving for attention and completely narcissistic he has tons of admirers as well as people who have reasons to hate him. This becomes clear when during his show, a stranger walks in the studio and takes him hostage while his show is still broadcasting live. Struggling to win precious time, Lee and his producer Patty (Julia Roberts) have not only to stay alive, but also to dig deeper into the business of a mysterious high-tech company.

The movie reminds a couple of other fast-paced thrillers which have been released in the last 20 years, but with its references to the socio-economic issues of nowadays it manages to have a sort of its own originality. The beginning is sarcastic and so provocative, mainly due to Clooney's character, that it grabs you from the very first moment. Frenzy and with a cool chemistry between Clooney and Roberts, Jodie Foster's delivery has just enough to keep you highly entertained and tensed throughout all the 90s minutes. Big part of this has to be attributed not to the hijacker Kyle (Jack O'Connell), who is far from being convincing, but to Clooney's commanding and attention-grabbing performances. He does not quite reach the level of honesty and desperation which you might remember from classics such as Colin Farrells' Phone Booth, but his slick arrogance keeps you attentive to what he could further screw up.

Unfortunately what deprives director Jodie Foster's movie from becoming a cult movie is the second more standard and predictable part of the story. As the narrative slows down and becomes more predictable, the mainstream audience may receive what it wants, but the sarcasm and arrogant charm of the money is partially lost.

Nevertheless, Money Monster is one of the better thrillers of recent years, capable of holding its strong grip on the audience and providing excellent moments of tension, sarcasm and good enough food for thoughts after the final credits. An enjoyable entertainment, this is a highly a must see if you are fan of thrillers, Clooney or Roberts.