Money Monster

Money Monster is thriller with a nice concept but a weak dramatic drive. The emotional ending is impressive, but everything before that is neither as engaging and dynamic as in Ron Howard’s Ransom nor as cleverly plotted as in Spike Lee’s Inside Man. What it is, though, is as forgettable as Costa-Gavras’s Mad City. I am surprised that someone as ambitious as George Clooney agreed to produce this. Maybe he relied on the director’s more personal input (and talent). (09/08/2016)

George Clooney and Julia Roberts are already faded stars for me and they can't pull off this mediocre financial thriller on their own, their star power has expired. The film is not very suspenseful, since the main villain didn’t look that dangerous to me, I wasn't scared of him, he didn't act intelligently, and spoils the viewing experience a lot. The finale was quite good, but I still have the impression that if it was directed by a man, we would see more violence or a thicker atmosphere, thus a better viewer experience. But it was watchable, I didn't get bored. 55% (11/08/2016)

I guess it's on the level of Mad City – nothing too original or surprising, but a well-acted and seamlessly shot film with a good concept. George Clooney and Julia Roberts are one of those dream acting duos and would draw attention to practically anything, so it's a good thing they don't waste their star potential. As for the script, I liked that everything took place in real time and I enjoyed all the black humor and satirical quips. (24/03/2019)

I definitely wouldn’t have guessed Jodie Foster would transition to directing, but lo and behold, she’s done it, and her debut turned out to be exceptionally good. Don’t expect a film that’s constantly in motion; this one takes a different approach. The lead duo of George Clooney and Julia Roberts delivering exceptional performances is a strong guarantee of quality, as they are top-notch actors. And I shouldn’t forget Jack O'Connell, who hasn’t given such a convincing performance in a long time (aside from Eden Lake, where he excelled). Films centered around uncertain business deals and investing in various companies are quite rare, and with the added suspense, you shouldn’t hesitate and just watch the film. I’ve always been fascinated by films set in a single location, where you rely on the actors and their credible delivery of lines, since the audience doesn’t look away much. It had a few slower moments, but everything was building up to the finale, which I guessed immediately, but that didn’t bother me at all. Sometimes straightforwardness isn’t a bad thing. I give it 77%. (02/11/2017)

Certainly less memorable than the similarly staged Phone Booth or the smart Inside Man. Jodie Foster does has experience with the material, the running time is short, so they produce and coax a fast pace and dynamic editing, but it needs more twists and adrenaline moments, which are basically taken care of only by a guy with a gun. A thematically interesting and certainly serious-looking affair with a solid narrative value that could be even spicier and have a more distinctive signature. (28/08/2016)