Title: Money Monster
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Jodie Foster
Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O’Connell
Runtime: 1 hr 38 mins

What It Is: Lee Gates (Clooney) is a trusted Wall Street advisor in the vein of Jim Cramer. When he makes a bad call that costs people millions a disgruntled parcel driver (O’Connell) takes him hostage in his own studio.With a bomb vest strapped to him Gates and him producer Patty Fenn (Roberts) will do all they can to get out of this situation. As the gunman whose name is Kyle Budwell begins to unravel and so does his actual plan for all of this.

What We Think: A decent thriller to be sure. Not only does it feature really good performances from it’s cast especially O’Connell once again. This guy is straight on fire. From his roles in ’71 and Unbroken, this guy continues to impress. Clooney is his usual charming and irreverent self. Sure character motivations aren’t really there and it is really hard to get behind any of the characters for various reasons. Gates is not likable and Kyle comes off a little too psychopathic for me to care enough about him. In truth, the heavy-handed message about corporate greed is just really painted on thick.

Our Grade: C+, Sure you can check this out if you just want to see a film that is somewhat enjoyable. I’ll give it a mild recommendation if only because I found myself entertained by this. Sadly there’s just not enough substance or style to warrant more than a passing grade. I look forward to whatever O’Connell does next as the guy has been on absolute fire. Jodie Foster has had a pretty good run of films which she’s directed, this one while not great is probably her weakest from behind the lens. Check out two of her previous effort Home for the Holidays and The Beaver. You’re really missing out if you don’t check out the latter.