All the Money in the World

I expected bigger and more spectacular from Ridley Scott. This is a purely conversational and boring drama that is fine in its own way and informs the viewer about an interesting event that I had no idea about, but it delivers it in such a terribly drawn out way that I had a hard time finishing it. The story itself is good, but it's fit for a five-minute report and not for a 130-minute running time on Netflix, because not much happens, it's overwritten and the only scene that's entertaining is served up by Scott, when the kidnappers "run out of patience", and then at the very end, where it all kind of comes to a finale, but otherwise it's an incredibly talky and empty drama, in which even Mark Wahlberg doesn't have much to do. .. (12/03/2024)

What fascinated me most about the film were the instructions on how to live a life of wealth. Well, I’ve always washed my laundry myself, so I guess the problem is the missing phone booth. On the one hand, the film got me interested (retro vibe, a stingy grandpa, a story based on true events that forced me to do some googling). On the other hand, I must admit that I didn't care much for the fates of the people involved and the filmmakers somehow failed to get under my skin. (06/09/2018)

In recent years, Ridley Scott's work has been heavily criticized for no longer producing films of the same quality as in the past, but I must disagree. Although his newer films may not reach the heights of Alien or Gladiator, they still boast above-average craftsmanship with no major issues in terms of craftsmanship. All the Money in the World fits this category. I believe the film received significant criticism mainly due to the reshoots with Plummer, but I actually consider that a brilliant choice. The role suited his age, and he infused his character, Getty, with brilliant acting attributes, making his screen appearances thoroughly enjoyable. Visually, the film is top-notch; I particularly liked the changing filters and shading, and I always appreciate a film that doesn't feel mundane. In terms of the story, there are notable positives, and the final cut didn't turn the film into a mess, which I consider a major plus. Although the first half of the film is more dialogue-driven, the second half picks up the pace, with the story gaining momentum and a few intense moments. I must also highlight the music. The only issue I had was that Wahlberg's character occasionally felt like a secondary player and didn’t always fit into the film, but his performance was still very well-executed. Plummer shone, and Williams as the mother did not disappoint either. I would have adjusted the ending as it doesn’t quite align with reality, but it’s still a very above-average film about a true event that few people know. I give it 78%. (30/01/2018)

How come no one filmed this before? This well-written drama directed with Ridley Scott’s traditional elegance is first and foremost a delicate satire of the spiritually bankrupt moneybags Getty, who was driven by his lust for wealth. The grotesqueness of his character makes him a bigger villain than the Italian kidnappers; he is even reminiscent of the Daniel Day-Lewis’s character from There Will Be Blood. Whatever Kevin Spacey was like in his role, Ridley’s original intention to cast Christopher Plummer was a good choice, as the veteran actor is phenomenal with his facial expressions and gestures. The secondary storyline, which actually takes up more of the runtime, is a thriller dominated by Getty’s counterpoint — the desperate but strong mother of the kidnapped portrayed by the excellent Michelle Williams. Hitchcock would be pleased with her hairstyle and frightened expression. Wahlberg, the film’s highest-paid actor, was just a makeweight. The less you know about the real story, the more you enjoy the movie. (25/01/2018)

I didn't believe in it too much, but in the end I'm surprised how much I enjoyed the film. Ridley Scott's direction is slick and precise, Mark Wahlberg is classically good and Charlie Plummer was solid, though I think Kevin Spacey would have been better. Quite suspenseful towards the end and there was a twist, so I'm satisfied. 70% (12/04/2018)