Dumb Money

I wasn't as hyped about this movie as others because it's recent history that's still fresh in our memories. People who were interested in the story during covid will remember it well. However, I do appreciate that it immortalizes the story, even though a part of me thinks it might be a bit too soon.

It's a financial underdog movie, and just like during the events in 2020, it had me rooting for Keith Gill. There are moments of incredible humor. The characters are well-written and have great chemistry. The film opts for a minimalist and simple style, lacking flashy visuals, but it excels in storytelling and humor. It also boasts a good soundtrack.

I wished it could have left a more enduring impression on me, one that made me believe I could achieve what the characters did, much like the real Keith Gill/Roaring Kitty accomplished. It lacked that magnetic allure that movies like "Goodfellas" or "The Wolf of Wall Street" possess, where you're drawn to emulate the characters despite the consequences. These films romanticize their lifestyles, no matter how destructive they may be. My hope was that this movie would do the same but entice viewers to aspire to be the "good guys" who ultimately triumphed, rather than emulate the Ken Griffens and Vlad Tenevs of the world. That's what underdog movies typically achieve. Additionally, I found the pacing inconsistent, with moments of genuine engagement alternating with periods when my brain seemed to be on autopilot.

While it's a good movie, it didn't completely blow me away. This might be because we're already familiar with the story due to its recent occurrence. In some ways, this familiarity helps the movie, but in other ways, it doesn't. I don't think it's better or even on par with "The Wolf of Wall Street," for example, but it stands well on its own. Unlike films like that or even "The Big Short," I don't think this movie will be held in such high regard a decade from now as it will be now. Nevertheless, it's still an enjoyable, fun, and funny experience. Definitely worth a watch, all things considered.

The early part of this film, perhaps the first 15 minutes or so, constitutes some of the most painful moments of my entire movie-viewing life. The filmmakers repeatedly chose to blast the film with absolutely obnoxious, offensive, crude and un-listenable rap music that plays too long and WAY too loud. If I hadn't just spent $5.99 to rent the movie, I absolutely would have turned it off. I'm glad I didn't turn it off, though, because once we got past the rap-fest, it settled into a pretty good movie. Paul Dano is excellent as the earnest, well-meaning day trader who sparks a worldwide rift in the stock market. It's a classic case of the little guy who stands up to the powers at the top. There's still some rap that I could live without throughout the movie, but those first few minutes appear to betray some sort of mental breakdown on the part of the director, music supervisor, and editor. Watch with caution.

The true story of The GameStop shares, how everyday people, detached from Wall Street turned the tables, and sent an Earthquake through the establishment.

If you recently watched Gran Turismo, it's a similar sort of film, the everyday people taking on the elite, the establishment, only this time, someone dares to take on The big money traders, the investors, those that play with money.

I wasn't sure initially, but it opens up and develops into a good film, it's a story of David Vs Goliath, a triumph over adversity....only the odds are naturally stacked in favour of The Financiers.

It was wonderful to get to see the real faces at the end, it brought home that this was actually based on a true story, crazy to believe it actually happened.

They did not hold back when it came to exposing the rotten system, the various bailouts that have happened several times over, with public money.

Paul Dano was great I thought here, a subtle, understated performance, Seth Rogan very good also, always good to see him in a serious role, that scene where he played out his speech, brilliant.

A surprisingly good movie.

7/10.

Even with its admirable intentions, in its writing, Dumb Money is, well, dumb. It's incessantly preachy and shallow, clinically moving from plot point to plot point while never examining any of its characters or happenings beneath the surface level.

Granted, it doesn't necessarily need to. But it also doesn't present its scant narrative with enough style to make it compulsively watchable.

Still, I found it impossible to dislike this movie. It tells the populist story that united everyone-right, left, and center-for a brief moment of euphoric social harmony. How can I not get wrapped up in reliving all that?

Most of the cast brings charisma to their characters that was not on the page, and they are what is compelling about this film. That, and, even though the script has a dearth of insight, it's funny. It had loads of fast-paced dry wit that make it tough to not smile throughout.

The performers and the humour really saved this movie, and though I don't think it'll have the impact the filmmakers were hoping for, it's a solidly good time. Just don't take it too seriously.

The film Dumb Money was reasonably decent timepass, although it leans heavily on a particular montage style and patronising approach to tiktok dances. There are some pretty decent performances, particularly Paul Dano, but the film is really dumbed down and treats the audience with kid gloves. I had half expected the film to veer into a legal thriller, but the length was a disappointment and whatever substance the film had was heavily watered down. Given the subject matter I thought a 2 hour runtime would have been an improvement, but instead the film is too short and the story is delivered via montages and doja cat songs.

I guess the filmmakers admired The Big Short, and sought to emulate that film, but in the end they lacked the courage that The Big Short had, to not treat the audience like they were the Dumb Money.