Sadly Over-hyped

A lot of perfectly good film show their cards early, establish a unique premise and let the audience explore a topic at a leisurely pace, without much in terms of surprise. this film is not one of those films.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

What went wrong? A lot did. Matthew McConaughey gained weight, shaved his head and wore false teeth. But more importantly, he seemed to act his heart out for a film that gives the viewer nothing in return. When the script gives up, he simply rambles on in that familiar McConaughey style. Guess what? We have 2 hours to go, folks. Editing wise, a monkey might as well have done it. The film begins and ends abruptly. The transitions between scenes are all over the place. Robert Elswit is completely wasted here as cinematographer. His work here is beautiful to look at, as always, which at least makes this film semi-watchable. All other aspects of this film is classic Oscar-bait and as fate would have it, it was shunned out of all of the awards in 2017. Is the better Mcconaughey movie Fool's Gold? You know, it just might be!

GoldWritten by Patrick Massett and John ZinmanWith Matthew McConaughey as Kenny Wells, Edgar Ramirez as Michael Acosta, and Bryce Dallas Howard as Wells' girlfriend, Kay Directed by Stephen GaghanThe movie Gold surprised me with good acting, a great story, and stunning scenery. The 2 hours flew by as the story, based on real events, takes us to Indonesia to look for a gold mine. The events come to life on the screen, real and authentic – from fighting malaria and mud, to the deals made in the high-rise offices of Manhattan's suited investors. McConaughey especially surprised me with his Woody Harrelson-look as a disheveled alcoholic and gold mining addict. I waited for his transformation to heart-throb, and it came in different ways. McConaughey's fake tooth, greasy hair, potbelly, and unshaven face destroy my lady's man image, remnants of the J-lo movies. But it shows his professionalism as an actor. In Gold, McConaughey is a man's man and becomes Kenny Wells, friend to Mike Acostas – a mining geologist. These characters clash in both looks and goals throughout the movie. The acting is so well performed that you feel the characters' elation when they find gold, sadness when the money is gone, and the frustration of not reaching their dreams. The end makes sense. I give it 8 out of 10: 3 for the story, 3 for the acting, and 2 for the setting and scenery.We watched on Netflix.

Inspired by the Bre-X scandal, it's 1988 Reno. Hard drinking Kenny Wells (Matthew McConaughey) and girlfriend Kay (Bryce Dallas Howard) are struggling. He's a lifelong wildcat prospector working for his respected father until his sudden death. With nothing left in business, he goes to Indonesia and connects with geologist Michael Acosta (Édgar Ramírez) who has a revolutionary theory. They head into the jungle and become gold mining legends.I do remember Bre-X. Some of it came back to me along with the movie. I remember one of the reporters telling the story of a souvenir core sample. They handed out samples to reporters and investors. As the scandal broke, they went back to test those samples. I think there is a missing character. It needs an investigative reporter who uncovers the scandal. Kenny and Kay's breakup seems abrupt. The second half seems a bit rushed although the two hour running time probably forced some cutting. McConaughey may be trying too hard shooting for an award. There is a compelling character story here if not fully realized as a thriller.

Once again Matthew McConaughey is playing a superb role as gold-digger Kenny Wells, who travels to Indonesia to persuade a geologist to look for gold with him. After a lot of trouble and malaria they apparently succeed. Off course than the big guys want a piece of the action and some scheming is going on. Finally it turns out that it is all a big fraud which has been set up by the geologist. Wells is questioned by the FBI but they believe he is innocent. The final scene is just brilliant. I saw this movie at home but it is one of the best movies I have seen in a few months. A lot of the blockbuster-movies like the Mummy etc are a piece of crap compared to Gold. Gold is absolutely worth your time. I rate it an 8,5 but for IMDb.com have to make that an 8 but it is a real big fat eight!