Money Monster (2016)

Directed by Jodie Foster
Written by Jamie Linden, Alan DiFiore and Jim Kouf
Starring George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Jack O'Connell and Caitriona Balfe

The host of a financial TV show host finds himself as a hostage to a man who lost everything following advice he was given by the host himself. With nothing to lose, the man holds the entire station up with a bomb until he finds some answers.

In today's world, I would think that it would be hard to make a movie audience feel a connection with an armed terrorist. In fact, without Wall Street and their shady business proceedings as the antagonist, I would believe it to be impossible. But there is one thing Americans hate more than armed criminals. And that is fraudulent businesses.

In this economical thriller, director Jodie Foster makes a film in which it is easy to feel for the man with the bomb. In her fourth film as director, she humanizes everyone from the down-on-his-luck criminal to the douchebag TV personality. But what she doesn't do is try to justify the shady business tactics used by Billion dollar corporations. As she shouldn't.

Although, the majority of the characters are extremely two-dimensional and have little to no arc, the role of Kyle, played by Jack O'Connell is one of the most heart-wrenching characters I have ever seen. Even though, in the eyes of the law he is in the wrong, you can't help but root for him in the corrupt system that is public trading.

"Money Monster" may not ever crack a top 10 list of mine, or even anyone else's. It's not mind-blowing. It's not revolutionary. It's not even amazing. It's a slightly above average film at best. But in this terrible year of movies thus far, I'll take what I can get.

My Rating: 7/10

Charlie Wilson's War (2007)

Directed by Mike Nichols
Written by Aaron Sorkin, based on the book by George Crile
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Amy Adams

A drama based on a Texas congressman Charlie Wilson's covert dealings in Afghanistan, where his efforts to assist rebels in their war with the Soviets have some unforeseen and long-reaching effects.

The question of whether or not Charlie Wilson was a hero in real life is still up in the air. But we're not talking about real life here. We're talking about a movie. And regardless of how things happened in real life, in the film for all intents and purposes he is. And it is a brilliant depiction of the American political system and their views on helping other countries during war contrasted to their views on helping during reconstruction.

Tom Hanks shines as the foul mouthed, womanizing congressman who becomes the unlikeliest of diplomats in a covert operation. As usual, his comedic timing and charm are on point as he makes even the dirtiest of dirt balls likable.

With a Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor, Phillip Seymour Hoffman kills it as "the Zen Master" CIA agent that Charlie Wilson works with. It is a further example of the talent that was lost far too soon.

While, I guess you could technically call this film a "war movie", it is more a "behind the scenes" of a war, taking an in depth and interesting look into the politics that come with aiding another country fight. With amazing writing from the incomparable Aaron Sorkin, and outstanding performances by an amazing cast, "Charlie Wilson's War" is as entertaining as a movie where people just talk can get… You can take that however you like. But I personally enjoyed it.

My Rating: 7/10