You have to take Money Monster as a film in two halves. The first few reels present an effective thriller that feels almost believably but by the time the movie reaches its climax, director Jodie Foster has made some serious mistakes in both context and believability and it drains the film of its effectiveness.
The storyline revolves around a TV show called Money Monster that dispenses financial advice and features George Clooney as Lee Gates, its smarmy and egotistical host. When Gates’ on-screen advice looses one of its viewers his life savings, he concocts a plan for revenge.
While the film is set in the television studio, it’s a claustrophobic thriller as Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) seeks retribution for the loss of his inheritance and life’s savings. When through a scenario that could only happen in the movies, they move the action outdoors, the film enters the realm of farce and the suspension of disbelief requires too much of its audience.
The film’s climax is almost comical in its execution, which is a shame because there are a number of very effective moments and even a surprise or two. Emily Meade as Budwell’s pregnant girlfriend Molly has a great scene where she gets to deliver one of the most over the top monologues ever, that scene alone is almost worth the price of admission. There is a much better film hidden in what remains a bit of a disappointing outing for cast and crew.
Rob Hudson
www.moneymonster-movie.com
