Movie Brief: Money Monster

I can’t help but revel in the idea of George Clooney and Julia Roberts sharing the big screen again—something about them as costars just works. In Money Monster the silver screen A-listers are coworkers at a news station and it’s apparent that they don’t really see eye-to-eye until a business as usual day gets chaotic.

Thinking about putting this movie on your weekend watch list? Read my Money Monster review to see how it measures up on my radar rating.

Plot: Lee Gates (George Clooney) is an egotistical, arrogant, TV host who talks finance on a daily show. His onscreen delivery is unconventional as he opens his show hip hop style flanked with dancing video girls as he comically tries to keep up with them. Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) is his un-amused producer, who is not enamored with his onscreen antics, unlike his viewers, who apparently hang on his every word, to the point they eagerly invest their money at his mere suggestion. But his latest financial recommendation results in an $800 million loss and one highly agitated investor (Jack O’Connell) who doesn’t break even, so he decides to get even by holding the entire news station hostage.

Engagement: When I learned that Jodi Foster would be directing this flick, I knew it was a must see. Having interviewed Jodi Foster for another movie, I grew an appreciation for her work. This film is a great example of her directorial chops and a perfect mix of drama and thriller—although I will admit, there are times when it is more comedic than dramatic. It’s easy to predict or anticipate the outcome of this film, but it’s an enjoyable journey with some interesting revelations such as the bad guy kind of being a good guy, and the rich guy a not-so-happy guy. But what keeps this movie entertaining, even when it gets a bit slow, is watching the characters evolve after the hostage situation forces them into fits of self-discovery, especially Gates.

Style: “Money Monster” isn’t a fashion-forward film, but costuming accomplishes what it needs to establish character identity and help tell the story. However, there are a few fashion don’ts including Gates’ vest embellished with dollar signs and Fenn’s high-water pants. See if you can spot these fashion faux pas!

Release: Friday, May 13th

Image source: Sony Pictures