Skip to main content

Dome Pondering Movie Review: Money Monster (2016)

What is it about? 

A financial analysis television show is taken hostage by an everyday-worker who helps to expose the hypocrisy and unethical behavior on Wall Street, and how this is magnified in other indirect ways. 

Who is in it? 

George Clooney - Lee Gates

Julia Roberts - Patty Fenn

Jack O'Connell - Kyle Budwell

Favorite Scene: 

Lee, annoyed with Kyle's complaining, attempts to "compare scores". After he gives a synopsis of his life beyond the money, Kyle rebuttals with the problems he's facing because of the lack of money. 

Favorite Quote: 

"They're only calling it a glitch because nobody understands how the algo works. And if nobody can understand the math, then nobody has to explain the money."

Review: 

Money Monster definitely was better than I expected, but offered some head scratching moments. It's a good film, with obviously great talent to emphasize the roles, but the substlties of the film are what really bothered me. 

Sure, the overall message of greed, lies, and deceit is what should be taken away from the film - or at least I think is what director, Jodie Foster was going for. But at times, it does feel like a conflict of whether that was the message ala "John Q", or if the film was just going for suspense built around finance. 

Other factors such as Patty being utterly fearless, which seemed rather odd, and some of the clips of other shows making the hostage situation feel less urgent, and more like some celebrity stunt. 

But again, it wasn't all that bad. Money Monster is a decent film that will provide some entertainment. Give Money Monster a try. 

Review: 3/5

Recent Favorites

Sunday Sundown Rundown - 9/15/24

3 Up 1. James Earl Jones - The voice GOAT. But I'll always remember him in one of my favorite movies, Coming to America , in the absolute epic role of King Joffe Joffer. "Where is my son, Akeem!". A great gift to us.   2. A'ja Wilson - The WNBA has entered our mainstream sports landscape because of Caitlin Clark. Yes, that is very true. But there is an amazing talent in A'ja Wilson who continues to dominate, and this week, she set the single-season scoring record and likely will do the same in smashing the single-season rebound record.  3. Inflation Lowest in 3 Years - I know it's a hot-button issue during this election season. BUT! It is the lowest it's been in three years. I'm not crediting or blaming anyone! Just saying! Enjoy the change, y'all.  3 Down 1. Trump Shooting at Golf Course - Look, this is crazy. No matter how you feel about Trump, your thoughts on him as a Presidential candidate, or anything else regarding politics, this should NOT

Quick Ponder: The Long Way

The long way is, the best way,  if the Lord is on it. 

Thoughts on Second 2024 Presidential Debate

That was soooooooooo much different than what we witnessed in the first debate.  So. Much. Different.  Yet, why does it still feel like not much was impacted? Overall, I stepped away from this debate with the overarching theme that Kamala Harris did what she needed to do. And that was not engage in a pity back-and-forth with Trump who wants to muddy the waters of any debate or discourse, force him to bring something new to the table and force him to get into a policy discussion beyond the usual surface sayings and fire-alarm narratives.  She did that.  For Trump. He has his voters. He is not losing them. But I thought Trump didn't do enough to interest those voters who have soured on him as well as those who are not yet sold on Kamala (this administration, or even the Democratic Party).  We saw the same from Trump. No need to answer questions. Dictate the narrative with what you want. Reply with emotion. Evade policy discussion. And you know, be Trump.  Was there a winner? In a tra