Cast: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Josh Brolin, Carey Mulligan, Susan Sarandon
Writer: Allan Loeb/Stephen Schiff
Director: Oliver Stone
Reviewer: Rama Gaind
Gordon Gecko, the iconic predator from the original ‘Wall Street’, makes a suitable return in this sequel that is an entertaining story of ambition and romance. No point in making comparisons as this is a voyage of mutual benefit.
In the 1987 corporate thriller Gecko (Michael Douglas) was written as a villain, but seductively became a role model.
The time is right now for the release of this film with the backdrop of a global financial meltdown.
Out of prison, Gecko joins the speaking circuit and gets back to his smooth old manipulative ways, as witnessed by his meeting with his future son-in-law.
While striving to get a clean energy company off the ground, young, greenie Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf) falls under the spell of Gecko. Family relationships get complicated as Jake’s fiancée Winnie (Carey Mulligan) is the criminal’s daughter. Father and daughter have not spoken to each other for many years.
Guest appearances include director Oliver Stone himself, Charlie Sheen (who played Gecko’s nemesis in the original) and Graydon Cartor, the editor of ‘Vanity Fair’ . The best thing about Money Never Sleeps is Michael Douglas, with a creased forehead and sad eyes, but still nasty enough to devour those he loves the mos
Oliver Stone has helmed some fine acting, strong dialogue and lots of juicy material, but unfortunately it doesn’t come together into a thrilling film. However, Stone delivers a few crackling moments and some great one-liners – again!
While you dwell on the fact that “no matter how much money you make you’ll never be rich”, you will also understand the meaning of “moral hazard”.
