Show Me The Money

No, I'm not re-reviewing "Jerry Maguire."   But, essentially, that's the plot of this quite entertaining drama that tries to be nothing more than a diverting time at the movies.   

And, these days, there's nothing wrong with that.  Indeed, you relish the notion that, in "Money Monster," there are no super heroes.  Nothing blows up.   There is very little CGI.  And, praise the Lord, actors are expected to...well...act,

This concoction is very reminiscent of what Hollywood used to do back in the 50s and 60s when there were studio pictures.   Take a couple of stars, give them an okay script, and maybe we'll make a few bucks.  In this case, we get George Clooney and Julia Roberts for star power.   Plus Jodie Foster as director.   Voila.   An entertaining and incredibly tight 97 minutes.    Yes, 97 minutes.   

The plot is taken from the headlines as Wall Street, the alleged evil villain in all our eyes, has taken the life savings of some poor young sap.   He seeks retribution by taking hostage a cable TV financial guru (Clooney) who advised him to buy one particular company's stock.   Clooney winds up wearing a bomb-loaded vest and the kid carries out the drama on Clooney's live show.   There will be a ten second pause while you consider how bad the security is at that TV studio.  Okay, let's move on.

Director Julia Roberts keeps all the drama live on the air as millions of Americans apparently to tune in to watch Clooney's character go kerblooey.   It sounds far fetched but I'm guessing we will see the same thing on a reality show two years from now.   Roberts' character almost never leaves the control room and, from what I have heard, she filmed her scenes in just 8 days.  Still, the interaction between Clooney and Roberts is compelling and actually carries the film.

Oh, sure, there are mucho holes in the plot, but this is not a movie you should think about logically.   Just let director Foster suck you in the story and you won't give it a second thought.

"Money Monster" is no Oscar winner, but you could do a lot worse these days when searching for a movie to see.   As a matter of fact, I have done worse of late.   Much, much, much worse.

Just let some talented actors and filmmakers take you on a journey.   No matter how ludicrous it might get.

LEN'S RATING:   Three-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Sausage and peppers sandwich at the Dodger game.