- 1991movierewind
Episode #58: Money
Listen to Episode 58 of the Podcast here while you enjoy the show notes.
SUMMARY - Money tells the story of Frank Cimballi (played by Eric Stoltz) who was orphaned at a young age and had been living off of an unknown benefactor. Shortly after being cut off, he is given a strange letter stating that his parents were worth $50 million and he is being robbed. Frank hires a private detective and sets off on a mission of financial revenge.
Screenplay by Larry Pederson and Gordon Roback; Directed by Steven Hilliard Stern, and released on April 17, 1991.
FILM DISCUSSION
The movie seems to be going for a financial thriller vibe with Eric Stoltz having the power moves of Gordon Gecko and the charm of James Bond
There's also the mystery to solve of who sent him the letter and a revenge plot of going after everyone that wronged him and his father.
Unlike James Bond (or "Millions") there aren't a lot of women being used. There's one girl who is there for a bit and then it's all about the cash.
Characters and settings come and go, sometimes in a period of mere minutes. And sometimes they have unexplained neck braces.
We're bouncing from place to place, and person to person so much that the movie employs a narrator that treats the story like a children's book.
The movie could have benefitted from slowing down some to help us build relationships with some of the characters. The Turk is the closest we get to that.
You even have new, key characters added in the last 15 minutes or so. And a possible sabotage subplot that isn't resolved.
What the hell is this disease that turns your body into fish skin?
A lot of time with people on the phone. Plummer plays the big, bad meanie
Ultimately the movie moves too fast with too many characters that are set up to be utilized more.
Awards Talk: None to speak of this time
TRUE CRIME & POP CULTURE
This week our true crime segment focuses on the author of the books this movie was based on.
To read more about Paul-Loup Sulitzer and the arms trafficking case against him, follow this link:
In addition, this day also has ties France's infected blood scandal. This was a story we never heard about growing up, which is a surprise considering it affected so many lives globally.
On to lighter subjects, we skip TV this week and talk about the Billboard Bottom 5 Songs for the week of April 20, 1991
100. Surface - The First Time
99. The Simpsons - Deep, Deep Trouble
98. The Cover Girls - Funk Boutique
97. Bad Company - If You Needed Somebody
96. The Rolling Stones - Highwire
RANKINGS & RATINGS
Nikki 1-5 star scale - 1 out of 5
Jon 0-4 star scale - 1 1/2 out of 4
Would you watch it again? - Over "Other People's Money?" Yes. Over "Millions?" Probably not. These three movies handle the financial storylines very differently and if the story wasn't all over the place, and if "Money" allowed more time for certain characters, settings and plot points, it could have been really strong.
If you want to watch Money, as of this recording in March 2022, it’s available on DVD. Check your local listings.
NEXT EPISODE & WHERE TO FIND US
You can listen to us on all your major podcasting platforms and please consider rating, subscribing, and sharing with your friends.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Letterboxd
Join us next time for Rolling Thunder available on The Surf Network, VHS
Comentários