Money Monster

This taut, tantalizing, and timely thriller revolves around financial guru/cable-TV show host Lee Gates (George Clooney), who bears more than a passing resemblance to Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money. Flanked by hip-hop backup dancers, Lee hands out stock tips, accompanied by silly sound effects. Fed up with his self-promoting shenanigans, Lee's long-suffering director Patty Fenn (Julia Roberts) is seriously considering taking another job across town. When Ibis Clear Capital, a company that Gates has heavily hyped, takes a nosedive—losing $800 million, while its globetrotting CEO Walt Camby (Dominic West) abruptly cancels a show appearance—Ibis's corporate communications officer, Diane Lester (Caitriona Balfe), blithely explains the anomaly as “a computer glitch.” Suddenly, Lee's broadcast is hijacked by gun-toting Kyle Budwell (Jack O'Connell), who sneaks into the Manhattan studio, taking Lee and his crew hostage. Budwell, who just lost all of his money ($60,000) on Ibis, forces fast-talking Lee into an explosive-laden vest, keeping the switch in his hand. Harking back to the outrage of Sidney Lumet's 1976 classic Network, Budwell is “mad as hell” and he wants an explanation. Director Jodie Foster astutely acknowledges the ticking clock while slyly delving into the characters' complexity. An edgy and exciting rollercoaster ride driven by the complexities of Wall Street's computerized algorithms and high-frequency trading, this is recommended. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include the behind-the-scenes featurettes “Inside the Pressure Cooker” (10 min.), “Analysis of a Scene: The Showdown” (7 min.), and “George Clooney: The Money Man” (6 min.), deleted scenes (3 min.), the music video for “What Makes the World Go ‘Round (MONEY!)” by Dan the Automator featuring Del the Funky Homosapien, and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is a bonus digital copy of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an engaging thriller.] (S. Granger)