Read Positive User Reviews for All the Money in the World

8

Rebecca31Jan 7, 2018

Sixteen year old, John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) gets kidnapped and his mother (Michelle Williams) desperately tries to get his billionaire grandfather, John Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom. If there was ever aSixteen year old, John Paul Getty III (Charlie Plummer) gets kidnapped and his mother (Michelle Williams) desperately tries to get his billionaire grandfather, John Paul Getty (Christopher Plummer) to pay the ransom. If there was ever a director who can create either a masterpiece or a flop it's Ridley Scott. So with a real life story just waiting to be told you really can't go wrong, unless of course the studio decides instead of casting someone more appropriate for the role, such as Christopher Plummer they decided no, we need a selling point. We need a bigger name, Kevin Spacey, yes he'll be perfect. Throw on some makeup so he looks older, I'm sure this decision won't come back to haunt us at any point. I'm not saying the studio could have foreseen this but there was no real reason for Kevin Spacey to have been cast as eighty year old John Paul Getty in the first place. If the decision wasn't made to recast and reshoot as quickly as possible then there's a strong possibility that this movie may never have been released in cinemas and we wouldn't be seeing it now.
December was dominated by Star Wars so it's nice to get back to normality and if you find yourself needing a good movie to escape into then look no further, All The Money In The World is worthy of your time and you will not be disappointed. Christopher Plummer is absolutely brilliant. His cold and heartless performance stands out above the rest and it's hard to see anyone else play that part as well as he did. Michelle Williams is giving another impressive and believable performance. A tense and emotional movie that doesn't drift, it keeps the atmosphere and keeps you engaged. A thoroughly impressive thriller, paced to perfection with some surprising moments of humour imbedded in this dark story. It's gripping and if like me you don't know how this story ends then you're in for some intense cinema viewing. Highly recommended.… Expand

4 of 7 users found this helpful43

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9

IttiacesJan 11, 2018

Well, if anyone needed proof as to whether or not Ridley Scott still had "it" as a director then here it is. This movie was an absolute triumph from beginning to end. He took a sombre subject and wove it into a story that effortlessly flowedWell, if anyone needed proof as to whether or not Ridley Scott still had "it" as a director then here it is. This movie was an absolute triumph from beginning to end. He took a sombre subject and wove it into a story that effortlessly flowed from scene to scene, skilfully guiding the audience through the emotional turmoil endured by a terrified mother trying to rescue her kidnapped son. The main characters were well portrayed and had plenty of screen time. The cast is superb, I think this is the best role I've ever seen Mark Wahlberg in. Michelle Williams, as you would expect, delivers a robust and heartfelt performance, really getting under the skin of this misfortunate and desperate woman. The real star, however, has to be Christopher Plummer who delivers an astounding turn as the billionaire John Paul Getty. At 88, his work here is nothing short of inspiring. The essence of the character he puts forth imbues simultaneous feelings of both hatred and pity. We get a real sense of a strong, intelligent man confined to an ageing, frail body still striving to understand much of life's frustrating minutiae. Overall, this film is one of Scott's best in many years, it's excellently delivered and definitely deserves all the praise it's currently getting. Highly recommended.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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8

ugdirektorDec 27, 2017

This film stands a testament to Ridley Scott's masterwork as a filmmaker. When I heard of Spacey being replaced, and only doing a nine day re-shoot I had assumed that Spacey was there just in a scene or two. Though, my gosh I was wrong.This film stands a testament to Ridley Scott's masterwork as a filmmaker. When I heard of Spacey being replaced, and only doing a nine day re-shoot I had assumed that Spacey was there just in a scene or two. Though, my gosh I was wrong. Plummer was there 40% of the running time. Not only that, Plummer chewed the scenery to the extent I understood why Scott wanted Plummer for the role of Getty in the first place. All three co-leads gave impressive performances. People should go and watch it just for that, especially aspiring filmmakers who might find themselves in a dire situation with a project and see what can be done when someone is proactive and wanting to save their picture.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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7

robbywarren93Jan 24, 2018

Think this story could've been told in a better, more interesting way, but what we get was solid enough and get's three really good performances out of Michelle Williams, Mark Wahlberg, and Christopher Plummer.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

AmitGulatiJan 1, 2018

Kevin Spacey fans spamming and giving this negative reviews. Its a good movie.

5 of 11 users found this helpful56

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9

GinaKDec 26, 2017

An excellent film from Ridley Scott, although not one as inspired as films like Blade Runner and Alien. Michelle Williams gives a wonderful and completely convincing performance as Abigail Getty (Paul’s mother) and Christopher Plummer wasAn excellent film from Ridley Scott, although not one as inspired as films like Blade Runner and Alien. Michelle Williams gives a wonderful and completely convincing performance as Abigail Getty (Paul’s mother) and Christopher Plummer was excellent – especially considering the extra pressure he was under when he replaced Kevin Spacey. I did see a coming attraction with Spacey, and it looked like an exciting and Academy Award nomination-level performance to me – even though he was buried under prosthetics and heavy makeup. Plummer may have been lucky that there was no time to bury his looks since he and Spacey are equally talented and experienced actors, but Plummer “looks the part” more naturally. Charlie Plummer was also completely believable as the kidnap victim. I only found Mark Wallberg bland and forgettable. Even though I knew how things turned out, Scott managed to keep interest and tension high with excellent pacing, a first-rate supporting cast, and terrific locations.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

Brent_MarchantDec 30, 2017

Despite Christopher Plummer's remarkable performance in a last-minute retooling, this would-be thriller is surprisingly flat, with an inflated midsection and general lack of urgency. Perhaps that's because the film seems focused on the wrongDespite Christopher Plummer's remarkable performance in a last-minute retooling, this would-be thriller is surprisingly flat, with an inflated midsection and general lack of urgency. Perhaps that's because the film seems focused on the wrong elements -- namely, the behind-the-scenes negotiations associated with the primary story line and not enough emphasis on the personalities of the characters driving the narrative. This, coupled with a surprisingly uneven performance by Michelle Williams in a miscast role, causes the film to come up short of what could have been a first-class drama and character study. Wait for the DVD.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

Jess_HillJan 5, 2018

Based on true events, this is a solid thriller that is both compelling and engaging, with excellent performances and some chilling moments. Williams is superb, and she carries the film, with Plummer and Wahlberg both providing polishedBased on true events, this is a solid thriller that is both compelling and engaging, with excellent performances and some chilling moments. Williams is superb, and she carries the film, with Plummer and Wahlberg both providing polished support. The pacing needed to be quicker, and it feels sluggish at times, through the tension in the third act ramps up sufficiently to maintain the tension, and the cinematography has moments of brilliance. The plot make use of some well executed misdirection, making for an enjoyable film overall. 7.96/10… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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8

moviemitch96Dec 25, 2017

Ridley Scott delivers a for-the-most-part solid and often times tense thriller that does also suffer from some pacing issues throughout. Like I said however, the film's not without its tense or engaging moments, and the acting from MarkRidley Scott delivers a for-the-most-part solid and often times tense thriller that does also suffer from some pacing issues throughout. Like I said however, the film's not without its tense or engaging moments, and the acting from Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Williams, and of course Christopher Plummer (famously replacing Kevin Spacey) all deliver solid reliable work. Overall, like I said, the film did feel a bit scattershot in its approach and pacing at times, but Scott's direction (which also deserves bonus points for directing a stellar performance out of Christopher Plummer at the last minute), along with Wahlberg and Williams' performances, and the engaging and worthwhile moments it offers make it worth checking out, and it's definitely breath of fresh air from Scott's 'Alien: Covenant' earlier this year in my opinion.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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8

LynJan 15, 2018

I'll admit it: Part of the fascination of this film is knowing the backstory and being amazed at the way Christopher Plummer's performance was added in at the last minute. But along with all that is a fascinating story, well-acted, especiallyI'll admit it: Part of the fascination of this film is knowing the backstory and being amazed at the way Christopher Plummer's performance was added in at the last minute. But along with all that is a fascinating story, well-acted, especially by Plummer and Michelle Williams. The tension is palpable and the slice of life of the super rich is eye-opening as well.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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8

Compi24Jan 16, 2018

The wild true story behind Ridley Scott's "All The Money In The World" - which is interestingly also the inspiration behind his brother Tony's 2004 flick "Man On Fire" - is what propels this movie to such incredibly entertaining heights. NotThe wild true story behind Ridley Scott's "All The Money In The World" - which is interestingly also the inspiration behind his brother Tony's 2004 flick "Man On Fire" - is what propels this movie to such incredibly entertaining heights. Not even withstanding the fact that a significant portion of this film was reshot over a period of time that measures out to barely a week, it's the script and narrative that are captivating enough. But factoring in all the logistical/ethical/practical dilemmas that must've played out in order for the powers-that-be to even get the chance to bring this film to the cinemagoing public, I definitely feel very lucky indeed. "All The Money In The World" is a taut, morally thought-provoking thriller with engaging characters, loads of cinematic moments, and a litany of impressive performances.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

frankrog29Apr 24, 2018

All the Money in the World is an average thriller at best. I have no idea why Mark Wahlberg was cast - he is always bland and unremarkable. Michelle Williams is too icy, so you don't empathize with her. Christopher Plummer is the movie's onlyAll the Money in the World is an average thriller at best. I have no idea why Mark Wahlberg was cast - he is always bland and unremarkable. Michelle Williams is too icy, so you don't empathize with her. Christopher Plummer is the movie's only strength - he is always good. Perhaps the movie's main problem is that it is too bloated, scattered, and unfocused across its long running time. Ridley Scott should have whittled it down to an hour-and-a-half.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

jasharkowalskiJan 30, 2018

True master of his craft like Mr. Scott is, turned Mark Wahlberg into an ACTOR ! Thought i would have never seen that but it happened last night. Disregard lukewarm reviews - this is a powerful film with great acting and money in the leadTrue master of his craft like Mr. Scott is, turned Mark Wahlberg into an ACTOR ! Thought i would have never seen that but it happened last night. Disregard lukewarm reviews - this is a powerful film with great acting and money in the lead role. Do not miss !… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

Willyam_CarrDec 31, 2017

All the Money in the World is a surprisingly successful film. This tense and strangely humorous thriller is another perfect example of how Ridley Scott is possibly the most reliable filmmaker working today. Michelle Williams is impeccable asAll the Money in the World is a surprisingly successful film. This tense and strangely humorous thriller is another perfect example of how Ridley Scott is possibly the most reliable filmmaker working today. Michelle Williams is impeccable as the terrified mother of kidnapped teenager; Christopher Plummer is fabulous as the cold, stoic, and greedy J. Paul Getty; and Mark Wahlberg is completely serviceable. My only problem? This should have been filmed in black-and-white. The movie shows brief flashbacks in black-and-white, and they're far more aesthetically pleasing the color palette used. Other than that, this is a perfectly enjoyable historical thriller, with two great performances.… Expand

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7

NBFCJan 18, 2018

No matter how much critical praise and award nominations Ridley Scott’s latest crime thriller may receive, it’s become increasingly likely that the film will forever be remembered as “the movie that replaced Kevin Spacey very quickly”.

WhichNo matter how much critical praise and award nominations Ridley Scott’s latest crime thriller may receive, it’s become increasingly likely that the film will forever be remembered as “the movie that replaced Kevin Spacey very quickly”.

Which is a shame but completely understandable.

Unless you have been hiding out in the Italian country side for the past three months, it’s likely you’ve heard that House of Card’s Kevin Spacey originally played J. Paul Getty (he even appeared in the first trailer) but due to being hit with multiple sexual harassment and assault allegations, TriStar Pictures and Scott decided back in November to completely reshoot all of JP Getty’s scenes with Captain von Trap himself, Christopher Plummer, in Spacey’s stead.

Now let’s take this into context for a second, with only a month left until release, Ridley had to completely reshoot almost half a movie and not only did he still complete it all in time for it’s December release (Plummer’s scenes were all shot over the course of an 8 day period), not an ounce of wear and tear is present in the final cut.

Sure there is some slightly obvious green screen going on in a flashback sequence depicting the Plummer Getty meeting with the Saudis in the desert, but it all turned out so impressively seamless. This certainly not a Justice League situation where that film was littered with awkward editing with the new scenes sticking out like a sore thumb.

Say what you will about how hit (Alien, Blade Runner) or miss (Alien Covenant, A Good Year) Ridley Scott can be, I got to admire his versatility as a director.

In a way, his latest crime thriller falls into that category of Ridley flicks like Body of Lies and American Gangster where they feel like more art-house versions of the type of movies his brother (Tony Scott) used to make.

As far as the story is concerned, it’s a pretty straightforward but intense kidnapping tale that somewhat has an over-arching theme regarding how “money can’t buy happiness” but nothing too profound as far as Scott is concerned. Scott is very much pulled back this time around with nothing too flashy but what really elevates the proceedings is the incredible ensemble cast and some really sharp dialogue.

The obvious main attraction is Christopher Plummer playing the notoriously frugal JP Getty. It’s not exactly a stretch for Plummer since he played a similarly greedy character in Spike Lee’s Inside Man but despite the quick shooting schedule, he delivers a pleasantly nuanced performance. You will be continuously shocked by how greedy Getty can be but at the same time, but Plummer instills enough of a warm human side to the rich billionaire that you end up pitying him at times.

In a way, Getty Senior is a prime example that getting rich tends to reveal precisely who your true friends are.

However our two main leads are Michelle Williams, playing the worried mother to Getty III, and Mark Wahlberg as Getty’s advisor and former CIA operative. Williams is great as a worrying mother and I can’t help but be impressed by how un-Mark Wahlberg Mark Wahlberg is in this movie. Despite being a former CIA agent, Wahlberg very much plays a mild-mannered business type and never turns into an action hero stereotype. Heck, he even manages to successfully hold back his signature Boston accent for the most part.

However, I think the real show-stealing performance was provided by French actor Romain Duris who plays Cinquanta, one of Getty III’s abductors. Despite being a kidnapper, Cinquanta sincerely wants to see Getty III survive through his ordeal. Duris and Charlie Plummer (Getty III) share a great fascinating poignant chemistry with each other and despite Cinquanta being a kidnaper, Duris instills so much charisma into the role that you can’t help but like him.

There are certainly flaws that prevent this from being a great film. Outside of his scenes with Duris, Charlie Plummer is unfortunately given the shaft when it comes to screen time. He does have one awesome scene, but for the most part we never really get to know Getty III too much outside of being the McGuffin. The movie also left a particularly bad taste in my mouth by having possibly one of the most cliche death scenes ever.

It’s far from one of Scott’s best films and one could argue the production history is probably more interesting than the film itself, but ATMITW remains a solid, classy, and exciting thriller that will make for great rainy afternoon viewing.

Although one day I would like to see the Kevin Spacey cut of the film just to compare the two performances.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

ChesterFTOFJan 25, 2018

I’ll be honest: I only really know Ridley Scott because of his work on the Alien franchise. And of those films, I’ve only actually watched the first one. Before starting this blog, I rarely followed Directors, though that’s an error I’mI’ll be honest: I only really know Ridley Scott because of his work on the Alien franchise. And of those films, I’ve only actually watched the first one. Before starting this blog, I rarely followed Directors, though that’s an error I’m seeking to change.

Much like Three Billboards, I’ve seen this film getting quite a few nominations this awards season. As I’d made it an unofficial New Years’ resolution to see more ‘real films’, I decided to give this one a whirl, despite knowing very little about both the cast, crew and subject matter.

By the end, I found myself rather pleased, for quite a few reasons. The film is rather pretty to look at, despite it’s oftentimes bleak colour palette. One particular shot, one of Christopher Plummer’s last in the film, was especially gorgeous. The dark room was lit by a fire, and it was honestly beautiful.

It’s worth noting that the pacing may not be for everyone. Based on the trailers, I’d assumed this would be a sleek kidnapping film with a fun soundtrack, potentially with a big shootout at the end featuring Mark Wahlberg’s character. Instead, it was a far slower paced, more mature film than I’d anticipated. There was barely a handful of action scenes, though those which were present were handled very well. Despite this, much of the film feels tense, especially thanks to Michelle Williams’s performance as Mrs. Getty.

The characters are tough to judge as they are based on real people; It’s hard to tell what is inaccurate, or what is a poor choice from the director. Regardless, most of what I saw was perfectly enjoyable; Christopher Plummer’s Jean Paul Getty was quite wonderful, and I didn’t actually notice any of the re-shoots. They blended in seamlessly. I still do wonder what Kevin Spacey’s portrayal would have looked like, and part of me hopes that version is released one day, if only to sate my morbid curiosity. As mentioned previously, Michelle Williams was fantastic, regardless of how few emotions the plot allowed her to convey (it typically went from Sobbing, to elated hope, back to sobbing and so on). I must say, I’ve never been a fan of Mark Wahlberg. I don’t think I’ve seen him in a good movie, though that fault almost certainly remains with me. Still, Marky Mark (sans the funky bunch) gave a fair performance, even if I feel it was somewhat against his ‘type’. I see him as more of an ‘every-man’, rather than a highly trained, ex-government investigator. Lastly, I wish to briefly give credit to Romain Duris. He plays one of the kidnappers, but honestly, I found him to be the most likeable character in the film. All of the Gettys are annoying in their own way, but Romain manages to keep the most human character..

Regarding the plot briefly, I’m rather confused. I always struggle with films like these; I don’t know how much credit can go to the writers, and how much actually happened. I will give respect to this film, however, for the end slate. It explains that, while the film is based on true events, some of it was dramatised for the film. Many ‘based on a true story’ films I’ve seen aren’t honest enough to admit they’ve deviated from the plot somewhat. *Cough, Cough, The Greatest Showman*.

The music was something I struggled to pick out at times. Much of it blended into the scene, though many may argue that’s a good thing. Personally, however, I prefer iconic soundtracks. I will concede, however, that by the end, there was a particularly powerful song accompanying the Christopher Plummer shot I mentioned earlier. At one point, I also believe I noticed a foreign cover of James Brown’s ‘Man’s World’. It surprised me in the moment, and pulled me from the film while I tried to work out where I recognised it from.

Overall, this film was a success for the most-part. At the halfway point, I probably would’ve given the film a 5/10. Very little had happened that earned my interest, but the second half managed to pull me back in. In total, I’ll give the film a 7/10.

This doesn’t affect my scoring at all, but I feel I should briefly mention it. If you have epilepsy, I would advise you to steer clear. While many films claim to have ‘bright, flashing lights’, there was a short scene where I began to feel sick watching it, and I don’t even have an illness relating to such a thing.… Expand

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7

TyranianApr 13, 2019

This is a pretty impressive film from Scott with good acting, writing and it looks great.