Money Monster
It starts out as a typical day for Lee Gates (George Clooney), TV personality on the popular financial network show, “Money Monster”. Complete with backup dancers and silly sound effects, Gates is a self-centered, though charming, host who gives weekly stock tips and advice. The show’s director, Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts), constantly whispering in Gates earpiece, are both stunned when an armed gunman, Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) barges on the set of live TV with a vest full of explosives for Gates to wear. Budwell is distraught after losing everything he has ($60,000) from a bad investment in Ibis Clear Capital which mysteriously lost 800 million overnight due to a “computer glitch”. Determined to make Gates pay for his bad tip, Kyle creates a hostage situation on live TV.
In the wake of the crash, Ibis CEO, Walt Camby (Dominic West), is MIA and has gone off the grid, leaving investors confused about what really happened. With the threat of a vest with a bomb that could go off at any moment, Gates decides to do a little investigating to uncover the truth about the “glitch” and get some answers, revealing more than just a random error, but a dishonest, rigged system.
Aside from the tension of the hostage drama, there are also several laughs sprinkled in. The chemistry between Clooney, Roberts and Budwell, helps carry the plot and keep the viewer interested in the characters. Directed by Jodie Foster, “Money Monster” is quite predictable, though also entertaining.
6 out of 10 Stars
