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

Recently Read

Dome Pondering Move Review: Say You Will (2017)

What is it about? A recent high school graduate cares for his mother while attempting to navigate his first relationship following his father's suicide.  Who is in it? Travis Tope - Sam Nimitz Katherine Hughes - Ellie Vaughn Favorite Scene: [spoiler alert] Sam plays his song for his mom. Favorite Quote: Ellie: "I wish we could have met down the road, maybe when we were like 27." Sam: "I think we needed each other now." Review:  Say You Will was an absolutely pleasant surprise of a watch from the Amazon Prime offerings.  I wasn't exactly sure what to expect with this one, but after the credits rolled, it was a movie that provided authentic characters and a great lesson on life. We don't always have to have everything figured out, and it's okay if you don't.  What makes Say You Will so beautiful is that all of the characters are carrying some inner struggle that connects them in the moment and time that helps them through whatever it is. The unlike...

Quick Ponder: Naive with a Side of Ignorance

I miss lying in bed no screen naive with a side of ignorance just staring at the ceiling with feelings, fears, and dreams.

Yankees 2025 Postseason - Ponderings and Stuff

Because of the response I received last year for my ponderings on last year's World Series , I decided to do the same for this year's MLB Postseason run. I'll drop some quick ponderings on the Yankees and their playoff run here. Because, well, I don't do "response videos".  Yeah, still a words guy. Still a nerd. Nonetheless, who knows? If the Yankees drop a quick two to the despised Boston Red Sox, this might be a quick wrap-up. Orrrrrrrrrr, we're looking at a collection of thoughts for a World Series title.  I'll calm down.  Dropping some ponderings below - thanks in advance for following along... --- Game 1  Red Sox d. Yankees, 3-1 (BOS leads series 1-0) And. Here. We. Go. [in your favorite Joker voice] Yankee fandom is likely going to be in full insufferable panic mode after this loss. I'm expecting the usual takes of "it's Boone's fault" and something to do with Cashman, and other bad takes on why "they trust anayltics ...