Review - Dumb Money
Directed by: Craig Gillespie
Written by: Lauren Schuker Blum, Rebecca Angelo
Starring: Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Pete Davidson
Running Time: 104 minutes
Rating: 2.5/5
Dumb Money directed by Craig Gillespie, delves into the GameStop short squeeze frenzy that captivated the world in early 2021. The film features Paul Dano portraying the infamous amateur r/wallstreetbets investor known as "RoaringKitty," who orchestrated Wall Street's downfall from the comfort of his Massachusetts home. Alongside Dano, the ensemble cast includes Seth Rogen, Nick Offerman, Shailene Woodley, and Pete Davidson, embodying some of the key figures in this financial saga.
While Dumb Money offers an entertaining moviegoing experience, it falls short of achieving the lasting impact achieved by films like "The Big Short" and "The Social Network." This is primarily because the film prioritizes style over substance, and its conclusion feels abrupt just as it begins to gain momentum. The film draws inevitable comparisons to "The Social Network," particularly in its attempt to replicate the electronic score, but it falls short in terms of script execution.
The narrative not only revolves around RoaringKitty (real name Keith Gill) but also explores the stories of secondary and tertiary characters, including America Ferrera, Anthony Ramos, and college friends portrayed by Myha’la Herrold and Talia Ryder. With a multitude of characters vying for attention, the film doesn't fully utilize its 1 hour and 44-minute runtime to its maximum potential. The film is comfortable with explaining the fate and outcome of its characters after the US Congressional hearing and it feels cheap and lazy.
If you're interested in delving deeper into the GameStop saga, Dumb Money offers an enjoyable introduction and serves as a convenient starting point. However, it's important to approach the film without expectations of a tense, multi-layered drama that lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll.
