Ever wonder what happens to your money when the market crashes? Money Monster sort of makes you open your eyes and give notice to some of the terms that float around like “computer glitch” as an excuse for a huge loss. Kyle Budwell (Jack O’Connell) is an ordinary guy who really doesn’t have the means to invest but does so on a tip from Lee Gates, (George Clooney) a money market TV guru host of a show called Money Monster. Lee practically guarantees a profit if you take his advice. Of course, this is his personal opinion and research that can guarantee nothing. The stock market is a gamble just like going to Vegas or Atlantic City and playing casino games. If you can’t afford to lose, you shouldn’t invest. We’ve all heard this a thousand times but we do it anyway. When Kyle loses his $60K of inheritance money, he wants an explanation. This is where the story falters because an explanation would not really be offered in the real world, even with a gun and hostage at bay, but we’re talking Hollywood. IBIS Global Capital’s stock inexplicably cratered due to a glitch in a trading algorithm, costing investors $800 million. IBIS’ CEO, Walt Camby (Dominic West) was to appear on Lee’s show for an interview about the crash, but Camby unexpectedly left for a business trip to Geneva. The movie is interesting and well acted but unrealistic. Julia Roberts plays Patty, the network director and love interest for Lee, who has never really been taken seriously. Kyle poses as a delivery guy, gets in the studio, takes Lee and the staff hostage and demands answers. It’s interesting to see how they get to the bottom of the problem with the help of IBIS’ Chief Communications Officer, Diane Lester (Caitriona Balfe), Lee and Patty of Money Monster and their staff. In the end, it turns out that IBIS’ explanation is logical but far from ethical and is truly a gamble.
In my opinion, if you really want to see a movie, you won’t be bored seeing Money Monster but for the money, you probably should wait for the DVD.
There’s been a lot of anticipation about Unbroken. My grandson told me that Unbroken was going to change his life, he called it an inspirational movie. The talk of his high school is “Unbroken will teach you courage and inspire you to new heights”. After seeing the movie, I agree it’s inspirational and much, much more. This movie didn’t get a Best Picture nod or anything that shows off the acting and director abilities. I grant you some scenes were a little drawn out but overall, Unbroken which is based on a true story, was entertaining as well as heart rinsing, interesting and intense. Unbroken was directed by Angelina Jolie who, in my opinion, did a fantastic job. Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini (Jack ‘OConnell) who was an accomplished distance runner, earning him the nickname “The Torrance Tornado.” Eventually he qualified for the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany. Louis surprised everyone when he came in 8th place, setting a record for speed in the final lap of the 5000 metres race, running it in 56 seconds. After joining the Armed Forces, Louis ends up on a search and rescue mission when his plane, along with 4 other soldiers, lost 2 engines causing the plane to crash somewhere in the Pacific. After 47 days at sea, floating in a raft, only Louie and fellow soldier Phil (Domhnail Gleeson) survived the shark infested waters, with little to no food and quite weakened. However they were captured by the Japanese Navy and brought to a POW camp. Eventually, the two men were separated into different camps and Louie’s torment began. Mutsuhiro “Bird” Watanabe (Takamasa Ishihara) was in charge of the camp and was jealous of Louis because of his Olympic Athletic status. You’ll have to see the movie to learn of the hell Louis was put through. This movie is worth seeing by any means you can see it. Very well done. Kudos to Angelina Jolie for a job well done.
CAROL's WORLDS 