Movie Review: Dumb Money

 Movie Number 35 of 2023

The Movie: Dumb Money

The Cinema: Hoyts Victoria Gardens

Stars: 4

File this one under "based on a true story", "awesome cast" and "killer soundtrack", all elements of an entertaining film. This one came my way as a Saturday night diversion, and I was thoroughly entertained throughout. I also loved the stick it to the big man storyline, which was engrossing as it was laugh out loud funny at times. 

So, what's it about? Dumb money is the term that the big end of town use to describe Mum and Dad investors. Where the hedge funds and stockbrokers are used to dealing with multi-million-dollar trades. Where the big end of town can crash a stock if they want, the ordinary investor normally has no say. 

Until 2020, when a small-scale investor, who publishes his positions on Reddit, starts a run on GameStop stock. 

RottenTomatoes.com describes the film as, "... is the ultimate David vs. Goliath tale, based on the insane true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop (yes, the mall videogame store) into the world's hottest company. In the middle of everything is regular guy Keith Gill (Paul Dano), who starts it all by sinking his life savings into the stock and posting about it. When his social posts start blowing up, so does his life and the lives of everyone following him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gets rich - until the billionaires fight back, and both sides find their worlds turned upside down."

What I loved about this was you got to see both ends of town. The multi-millionaire Hedge fund guys (Nick Offerman, Seth Rogan and Sebastian Stan) fighting to keep their heads above water, while the little guys, battling away at the bottom, who are just looking to make life a bit easier. Keith Gill (Paul Dano) who leads this merry band on their way with his stock tip. His wife, Caroline (Shailene Woodley) is supportive, but incredulous as to what a group of people can do, given the will and a sense of humour. 

There are the slackers, Keith's brother, (Pete Davidson) the kid who works at GameStop (Anthony Ramos), the nurse (America Ferrera) and the debt-ridden students (Myha'la Herrold and Talia Ryder), all having their reasons for wanting to get into the stock market and stay there. 

I have to say, I loved this movie. Not only was it a case of David beating Goliath, but it was great fun. The normal people, the family dynamics, the money-men finally being got by the balls. You end up cheering in your seat. 

Craig Gillespie, whose direction is responsible for movies like Cruella, I, Tonya and the indie sleeper Lars and the Real Girl keeps the movie going at a pace which keeps your interest, while explaining the market in a way laymen can understand. 

The soundtrack is also fantastic, with bangers from Cardi B, Mark Batson and the White Stripes keeping things upbeat. 

Nobody is going to see this, but it's definitely worth a look if you're after a laugh. 

Today's song: