By Megan Jones, Advertising Manager
Jodie Foster has done it again by directing another real-time film that pulls you in and keeps your attention. The clever drama, Money Monster, was released in theaters on Friday, May 13, 2016.
Money Monster is a 90 minute suspense-filled thriller which starts off with smug TV personality Lee Gates (George Clooney) hosting his daily financial show with the help of the smartest producer around, Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts). Gates dresses up in ridiculous outfits and dances around making stock talk as goofy graphics appear behind him (I don’t know about you, but I’ll pay $9.25 to see George Clooney dance any day). He is constantly goofing off while she is constantly keeping him in check; they have somewhat of a brother-sister relationship.
It was a typical day in the TV studio when a delivery man makes his way onto the stage. Quickly, you realize he’s not there just to make a delivery. Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) is a fed up investor who lost $60 thousand due to Gate’s advice. Gates previously swore to viewers that investing in IBIS was the real deal, but things took a dreadful turn when the stock’s value dropped and $800 million was lost over night due to a “glitch.”
Budwell decided to get revenge by strapping an explosive vest to Gates and demanded answers by gunpoint. He brought another vest for IBIS CEO, Dominic West, but West is missing somewhere on his private jet.
The anxiety builds as Gates, Fenn, and the rest of the crew work together to try and calm Budwell all while trying to obey his requests on live TV. As the movie continues, you see the relationship between Budwell and Gates unfold. At first they are both angry with each other, but they realize they need to work together if they want to get answers.
In the third act, the crew takes on the streets of Manhattan; this gave the film a whole new element because not many hostage situations go on the move, especially not in the middle of New York City. This part of the film shows you just how dangerous things can be when people get involved.
Although Budwell causes the entire hostage situation, the viewer can sympathize with him. You don’t really see him as a threat; instead, you feel sorry for him. A lot of people can relate to his anger, and I think that is one of the more interesting things about this film. The timing is also appropriate for the film because it relates to how people are angry about things now.
Overall, I thought Money Monster was well worth MY money. It kept me on the edge of my seat with a shining cast and well written story. George Clooney and Julia Roberts, what more could you want?
