Aiming for searing commentary on a corrupt economy but stumbling through as a generic action thriller, this is the story of a TV host held hostage on the set of his own show. Unfortunately its Jodie Foster’s direction that lets the movie down – George Clooney never feels completely unleashed in the lead role, and while the filmmaking is adequate enough there is a noticeable lack of tension and high stakes involved. Money Monster is engaging if a little too casual. It’s also another underutilized role for Julia Roberts, an icon years removed from her last performance in a classic. It’s high time for a return to greatness for America’s Sweetheart.
