MONEY MONSTER, USA, 2016
Money Monster Movie Review
Summary:
“Money Monster”
is a film directed by Jodie Foster which leads us into the realm of TV news and
large sums of money. Envision an animated TV personality, Lee Gates (played by
George Clooney), doing talking heads about the stock market and all things
money in a very engaging manner. Then one day, on a live television program, a
man named Kyle (played by Jack O’Connell), who had lost all his money because
of one of Lee’s stock tips, starts getting very angry. He appears on the show
WITH A GUN and abducts Lee!
Julia Roberts
plays Patty, who's in charge of making the TV show happen. She has to figure
out how to handle the situation while also trying to understand why Kyle is so
mad. As all of this unfolds, the whole country is watching live on TV, and
things get intense.
In real-time
on television, the entire nation is watching as things heat up. You’re never
bored watching this movie because it’s always thrilling and engaging. And it
also has you pondering larger things like how much corporation and the media
can impact everyday people. It’s not a documentary, but you can still learn a
thing or two about how the finance world operates (and why you should be asking
questions).
In the backdrop of this riveting narrative, subtle hints reminiscent of Jim
Cramer, the host of "Mad Money" on TV, add an intriguing layer.
Cramer, much like the main character Lee Gates, faced controversies for his
predictions about stocks. Interestingly, this connection invites viewers to
reflect on the influence that TV personalities can wield over public perception
of money and the financial world.
Moreover,
it's worth noting that “Money Monster” could be seen as an intriguing
adaptation or reflection of the "Mad Money" TV show. The thematic
parallels and the exploration of the impact of financial journalism on
individuals draw striking similarities. The movie, with its thrilling storyline
and thought-provoking themes, leaves an indelible impression on audiences,
making it a must-watch for both thriller enthusiasts and those curious about
the intricate dance between money and the media.
So, just like
what happens in the movie with Lee Gates, Jim Cramer faced criticism for how he
talked about money and stocks on TV. And that's why we find these subtle
connections in the story interesting. It makes you think about how people on TV
can have an impact on how we think about money and the financial world.
“Money Monster” is an edge-of-your-seat thriller with terrific performances and
themes that make you think about some important stuff. If you’re into thrillers,
or just wondering how money and the media operate in our lives, it’s worth a
watch.
Criticism about Acting and Story
Realization/Implementation
George
Clooney and Julia Roberts play the characters nicely. Clooney does this
supercilious TV guy really well, and he changes over the course of the
narrative. Julia Roberts plays the tough producer and delivers the emotional
weight of the whole story.
Jack
O’Connell, as Kyle, the furious young man whose life has been devastated due to
inadequate financial direction, performs strongly. He’s full of rage and
desperation, and you empathize with him, even when you don’t support what he’s
doing.
Story
Realization/Implementation:
And the
tension of the film is great, you really feel the pressure with every decision
the characters have to make. It is intriguing and you can’t help yourself from
wanting to know what happens next. The director, Jodie Foster, does a good job
of keeping us on the edge of our seats by leaving us to ponder on some important
questions: are the media and big corporates always as clean as they appear?
But there are
one or two places in the film where it’s dragged on a little too long. It’s
also straightforward when it comes to the message it delivers about how
financial mistakes can ruin lives — which is great for some people and maybe
too in your face for others.
Ultimately
“Money Monster” is a thrilling film with great performances and an engaging
story, and while there are some dragging moments and a lack of subtlety to its
messaging, you’ll still be hooked. If you enjoy mysteries and considering the
nature of money and the press, you’ll probably enjoy it.
Rating: 7/10
Educational Value: 7/10
"Money
Monster" primarily aims to entertain rather than educate, earning it a solid
7 out of 10. This gripping thriller keeps you engaged with its intense
storyline and standout performances from the cast.
“Money
Monster” is not a documentary, but it does give viewers a glimpse into
financial journalism and how it affects the average person. At 7/10 for
educational value, the movie educates viewers about the dangers of unregulated
corporate power, and about what it takes to be an ethical journalist. It
compels viewers to reflect upon financial decisions and media’s portrayal of how
they impact people and the society at large.
So all in
all, “Money Monster” achieves a good balance of entertainment with some food
for thought. By having an engaging plot and great acting, this show manages to
captivate its audience while giving a interesting view into the world of
finance and media. Whether you’re looking for a high-octane thrill ride through
the world of finance or considering the morality behind investigative
journalism — “Money Monster” makes for an excellent cinematic outing for movin’
night.
