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...

The Pondering 10 - Most Fascinating Things of 2025

2025 sure did ebb and flow.  Is it just me, or did August through December zoom by? Nonetheless, we are at that time of the year again, which brings about some common traditions around these parts - the Pondering 10 Most Fascinating Things of the Year, and then the Dome Pondering Year in Review .  (Most Fascinating Things: 2015 , 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020 , 2021 ,  2022 , 2023 , & 2024 ) Life really presented itself in unique ways this year, with a sense of a deeper layer of belonging and purpose, more so than what society has reflected since the pandemic. 2025 brought a deeper understanding of life through war, disaster, politics, the human spirit, and appreciation, among other things.  We'll get into that in the Year in Review.  For now, let's run it! Here is my Most Fascinating Things list for 2025: --- 10. Marjorie Taylor Greene Oh yeah, we're going there. MJT makes the very end of the list with a recent change in political positioning. I find it ...

Dome Pondering - 2025 Year in Review

2025 brought depth and growth.  In many ways, 2025 provided so many challenges and opportunities, allowing for a deeper, more layered approach to the world we live in. Our world is changing, and often, not for the better. Over the last 365 days, life has been more complex, more exhausting, and is asking so much more of us through these transitions and nuances than it did 365 days ago.  No big deal, right?  But hey, you're here. We're here. And we're going into 2026 much stronger, whether we realize it or not. But before we do, let's bid adieu to 2025.  As always, I'm incredibly gratefu l to those of you who still visit this little speck of the internet that houses my thoughts, rambles, and learnings. Thank you for taking a break from instant dopamine hits and videos, and likely the much cooler options of prepared content and indulging my humbled words. It is much appreciated.  It's the 20th annual - TWENTY YEARS of doing this! - Dome Pondering Year in Review. Le...