Movie review: Money Monster

TV persona Lee Gates and Patty, his producer, are taken hostage on live TV by irate investor Kyle, who lost everything based on Lee's advice. As Lee and Patty work to calm Kyle and explain his losses they realize what they thought was true might actually be part of a larger conspiracy.

George Clooney (Lee), Julia Roberts (Patty), Jack O'Connell (Kyle), Dominic West (Walt), Caitriona Balfe (Diane), Giancarlo Esposito (Capt. Powell), Christopher Denham (Ron), Lenny Venito (Lenny).

Lee is the over-the-top host of a financial analysis TV show called Money Monster when his wild claims cause investor Kyle to lose a large chunk of change. Demanding answers, Kyle takes the Money Monster studio hostage, but as Lee and Patty scramble for clues all three realize Kyle's losses are the result of a conspiracy, not bad luck.

Money Monster may be a crime drama, but there is a fair amount of comedy thrown in to keep things interesting along the way. The story moves along at a good pace with just enough changing characters and regular influx of new information to keep things interesting.

Acting was well done in Money Monster. Clooney put forth some good energy and seemed to work well with both Roberts and O'Connell. Roberts did wonderfully, fitting her role and delivering a nicely coherent performance. O'Connell was enjoyable with good delivery of intense emotions throughout. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done and the use of live TV feeds along with shifting perspective was nicely done. Action scenes were mild and for the most part, fit the film well. Dialogue had nice depth and moved the story along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack were mild but good.

Money Monster ends up being an enjoyable crime thriller with more comedy and suspense than expected. The film holds interest well with a few mild twists and a small comedy injection. Those who enjoy a more intense crime thriller should enjoy this one.

With some violence, sexuality, and foul language this one should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2016
Reviewed: 2.26.17
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama, Crime Thriller, Crime Drama

copyright ©2017 Dave Riedel