Mo Money Mo Problems: Review of Money Monster

Money Monster

Director: Jodie Foster

By Alex Watson

While it may lack a certain bite, Jodie Foster's Money Monster is still a fine satire that raises some serious questions about Wall Street Ethics. It doesn't break any new ground it does have an element of fun silliness to it which is capped by a wacky yet composed George Clooney performance. While The Big Short went for the flashy approach, its talk about markets and algorithms because overwhelming. Foster here asks the simple question of how does these millionaires who break the law stay out of prison?

Lee Gates (George Clooney) is a smug host of a network show called Money Monster which gives Wall Street stock tips to viewers. His producer Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) is weary of his shock-jock persona and wishes he would button it down. One show, a desperate and furious blue collar worker Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell) takes Gates hostage live on air and forces him to strap on a bomb. Previously Kyle along with many others lost his life savings on a bad tip by Gates on a company called IBIS owned by Walt Camby (Dominic West) and now he wants Wall Street to pay.

While Money Monster doesn't completely work as a thriller, it still has its merits. Gates is a man who lives for the spotlight and begins every show doing cringeworthy dancing with two backup dancers. When Kyle bursts in and forces him to strap on the vest, Foster manages to inject a needed panic into this scenario. Forget the implausibility that Kyle could sneak in undetected along with this question of whether a truck driver could really build a bomb and go with the flow. Patty is boxed into a difficult corner and the police intervention by Captain Marcus Powell (Giancarlo Esposito) isn't helping a whole lot either.

Previously Gates coerced his viewers into investing with IBIS claiming it was safe. Now the firm has mysteriously lost $800 million in one swoop and Camby is nowhere to be found. Venn and some other producers embark on some investigating to discover to why this sudden dip occurred. This element is entertaining as they continually bug put upon PR lady Diane Lester (Caitriona Balfe). Although this film has its merits it doesn't feel nearly challenging enough, we are aware through Kyle constant explosions about how unaware it is that rich men frequently break the law but go unpunished. Foster, however, seems to want to play it too safely and it leaves us with a flat aftertaste.

While the against time feel does serve Money Monster well, its finale has an air of unbelievability about it. The lies are always being exposed as Camby real destination for the last few days is picked at. There is a more honest approach to this picture than your typical Wall Street picture because it does show the dark underbelly of the trade world. Stripping it back to basics and show a simple story of good guys and villains do make this an easier pill to swallow. Just a shame that Foster decided to go with a slightly overblown ending which sees Gates and Budwell attempt to take on and confront Camby publically. Realistically this whole show would have been long done by this point if the police were allowed to do their thing.

George Clooney has fun with the role of Lee Gates and keeps his head among the increasingly unlikely odds. Embracing his character's arrogance combined with his inner self-loathing, Clooney makes the perfect choice to bring this tale of greed forward (even if his dance moves do need a little work). The real star turn of this piece goes to Julia Roberts who keeps her performance in check as the tension mounts. Not once does she succumb to the urge to phone things in and instead Roberts give a composed turn as a newsroom producer whose in far too deep. Jack O'Connell is a talented performer but he is stranded in this picture with a role that requires him to do little more than shout loudly. With such a raw performer on her hands, Foster could have coaxed out far more than this.

Money Monster might not be the gritty thriller we so hoped for but it does succeed as a witty and zany look at the effects Wall Street can bring. The Big Short may have gotten accolades for its trickery but this piece is more down to earth effort.

A Soldier's Story: Review of '71

'71

Director: Yann Demange

By Alex Watson

Rarely pausing for breath throughout, debut director Yann Demange has brought us a chest tightening thriller in 71. Helped by a tight and well crafted script by Gregory Burke, early on the tension is simmering below the surface. Before long we are thrown into the literally the worse place on earth! What makes this movie stand out however is the will of one man to survive and his having to learn who is friend from a potential killer!

Gary Hook (Jack O'Connell) is a young soldier who has been deployed to Belfast, Northern Ireland. But when a routine raid goes terribly wrong, Hook is accidentally left behind by his fellow soldiers. Faced with street filled with IRA killers, this young man must navigate his own way back to the barracks. But how will he stay undetected? And more importantly who is willing to help him?

From the moment that Gary arrives 1971 Northern Ireland, it is made clear the Brits are not welcome! One early scene sees the soldiers pelted with bags of urine by young men and told to go home. Belfast is a city divided into catholic and protestant sections- neither of which particularly relishes British intervention. However during a routine search, a hostile crowd begins to form, right then you can feel the dangerous winds of change coming. When his young commanding officer (Sam Reid) panics under pressure, all hell breaks loose! From there 71's quietly building suspense surrounds the movie like a heavy blanket.

There is evil on both sides of the line as Gary has to not only contend with a faction of IRA loyalists looking to ensure he never gets home. But there is also some dubious goings on with a group of undercover British soldiers led by Browning (Sean Harris). The baddies in this one are unfortunately, slightly cliched ones and the lack of understanding about the motives of Browning and co does hinder the film somewhat. Especially as their interest in Gary never quiet adds up?

Left all alone on the streets, the continually look of terror on Hook's face is one that is also permanent through 71! Being deep in enemy territory he has to not only keep his wits about him, but look for any small chance of survive. More importantly, who is he to trust on this wild adventure? The kindly young boy who offers assistance could be just as easily luring him into a life ending trap! Could the nice father and daughter who take him in being risking their own lives to save his? This guessing game is makes our blood run cold as Demange cranks up the fear factor.

Jack O'Connell demonstrates just why is such a highly regarded young talent and in 71 he strengthens his case. His most impressive element to his performance is the smart downplaying of heroism. Gary is not made out to be a hero or a crusader- just an ordinary guy who is scared out of his mind and wants nothing more than survival. His spirit and hard desire to make it back give him our support throughout and O'Connell brings this character to life.

71 is a movie that succeeds through its excellent set pieces and the stunning direction of Demange. Highly rated upon its release in Europe, and this praise has been well earned. Just go in expecting the unexpected and it will make what follows an easier ride. Just be sure what watch your heart rate though.

3 February Films To Watch Out For

Kingsman: The Special Service

From Matthew Vaughan who delighted us with Kick Ass back in 2010, it looks as if he has delivered another great adaptation from a Mark Millar comic. With a breakout turn from Tamin Egerton as street youth Eggsy who finds himself becoming the protege of renowned secret agent Harry (Colin Firth). But with Samuel L Jackson anchoring the villian ranks, you know that things will soon get out of control, but can the young man leave his past behind?

Release Date: February 13th


McFarland, USA

Once more Kevin Costner turns to the sporting genre in this feel good tale. Based on the true story of high school running coach, Jim White this one sees the underprivileged children of McFarland High School gunning for glory at the State Championship. However, can many of these children survive the tough environment they have grown up in? This looks like an assured effort from director Niki Caro!

Release Date: February 20th

71

Receiving numerous critical acclaim upon its release last year, finally Yann Demange's chest tightening thriller makes its way to Canadian soil! Young soldier Gary (Jack O'Connell) is serving in Northern Ireland with his regime. But when he is left behind in the midst of a riot, Gary must make his way back to base whilst hiding from the Provisional Army and relying on the kindness of civilians around him. From the footage on display and a rising star in O'Connell, this one may require a defibrillator!

Release Date: February 27th

A Hard Resolve: Review of Unbroken

Unbroken

Director: Angelina Jolie

By Alex Watson

Angelina Jolie makes an unexpected appearance behind the camera this week as she tells the story of an incredible individual. Olympic runner Louie Zamperini survived not only being stranded at sea during World War Two but also endured incredible hardship at the hands of the Japanese. His death this year at the age of 81 was the end of a life less ordinary. The story of his journey is revealed in Unbroken, but is Jolie up to the task as a director?

Louie Zamperini (Jack O'Connell) after coming to fame running in the Olympics is shot down whilst flying over the Pacific. After a difficult and life changing 47 days out in the ocean, Zamperini is captured by the Japanese. But in the POW camp, his troubles are only just beginning and commanding soldier Mutsushiro Watanabe (Miyavi) has taken a special interest in his prisoner.

Unbroken is an effort which does show some nice touches and visual flare by Angelina Jolie, but as such it is not a perfect effort. Aided by veteran cinematographer Roger Deakins' beautiful photography, her portrayal of Zamperini's struggle is one that although very honest also lacks the required charm and warmth. Starting in a thrilling fashion, we see LZ and co locked in a tense flight whilst on a bombing mission- their crashing landing alone deserves a citation! The never say die spirit is present early but it isn't enough to carry the film.

Interspersed with some flashbacks between Zamperini's tough childhood of petty crime and discrimination in Torrance, California and his impressive debut whilst running at the 1936 Berlin Olympics (where he set the fastest lap record). Jolie does shed some light on his motivation, but it doesn't feel nearly deep enough for us to feel the complete effect. The crews time adrift at sea is one area which does create a feeling of strive and whilst accompanied by his equally resolved crew mate Phil (Domnhall Gleeson) they are literally on hell in high water. The moment the Japanese ship appears to rescue them, Louie can only croak “I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news…”

The scenes that show his sadistic torture by Watanabe are no doubt hard felt and the after effect is a harsh one. But there is too much over use of this particular element and although it heightens the sexual thrill that Watanabe often got from beating prisoners, it feels a step too far. Zamperini is portrayed as more than just an ordinary hero and there is a bit of gushing sentimentality which makes him out to be some kind of martyr figure for the troops which is the wrong kind of approach.

Jack O'Connell performance though is one that does succeed in carrying the film because in a physically demanding part, he is able to capture the spirit of Zamperini. After making a frightening impression in last year's Starred up, O'Connell is on the threshold of the big time and one day soon his dues will be paid. Able support is giving by the continually excellent Domnhall Gleason and Garrett Hedlund, but Japanese pop star Miyav is stranded in a disappointing one note role as the evil guard Watanabe and sadly he is reduced to almost pantomime type villany.

Unbroken is a movie that in the right hands could have been a bold and memorable story of survival, but in Jolie's hands it is only just acceptable. There are signs of life for Angelina's new calling as director and time will tell if she is due for a life behind the lens.