Move over Oppenheimer; clear the room for the TRUE beholder of the title of “Second Most Important Movie of the Year,” because that belongs to “Dumb Money.”
First, I don’t know that much or anything really about finance and the stock market, so much so that I found myself relating with Larry Owens’ stonk skeptical, Chris. The one who never bought in so nothing got away, but nothing came to him either. That’s me. Regardless, I saw this movie was about something that I remember somewhat living through and I was intrigued. Luckily, my AMC had an early access screening that I was able to catch, and it’s been awhile since I’ve been excited for a movie and it not only delivered but insights me to do something that I wouldn’t do on my own accord normally. 2023 has provided a handful of solid movies with very necessary messaging from Sound of Freedom to Oppenheimer and now Dumb Money.
Trust me, Dumb Money isn’t your typical Wall Street story. Most Wall Street Stories you hear take place yEaRs AgO iN aN AmErIcA fAr FaR aWa– you get the point. They happen a while ago, then they make a movie out of it. The events of Dumb Money happened only TWO YEARS ago during a time that feels so very far away due to the “event that shan’t be spoken” (The Pandemic). The movie being about something SO close to home and personal to me makes Dumb Money feel nostalgic down to the references to things like specific TikTok dances, pesky managers about proper mask usage, the empty streets, and what it was like to interact with a stranger–”HOW do you even interact with another person anymore?!” The movie pretty much hit all of the nostalgia beats for me and I finally understand the Mario Bros Movie (I am not a gamer, so… you can see where that one Is heading).
Dumb Money teaches you about not only a time and place that happened in our own history, but about people who were and are just like you and me trying to survive through the next payment in life and wondering what the next thing to hit you will be. Morbid? Sure, but realistic. It’s how you stay ahead: by studying the patterns of what’s being thrown at you and learning to navigate it, use it to your advantage. That’s true capitalism. A movie about “true capitalism” against “corporate greed”; chef’s kiss.
In the end, this surprisingly star studded cast all gave encore level performances intermixed with a solid score and surprisingly stunning cinematography, as well. Honestly, I can see why America Ferrera is said to be up for a nomination for Dumb Money [but not Barbie?!], because this was some of the best acting I’ve seen from her in a long while. Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Ramos–honestly, the cast is STACKED and each actor deserves a nomination for supporting roles.
Oh, what about the writing and the pacing? Have you seen me complain about the script so far? No? There you go.
Genuinely, Dumb Money was one of my favorite movies of this year. It gelled with one of my friends, but it was just “alright” for the other. If you’re into numbers, finance, sticking it to the big guy, you’ll love it. I am not sure if anyone younger than 21 or 22 could really relate to the movie if there is no interest in Wall Street. Above that, especially the older crowd, this move will be a hit. Those demographics were in my theater and they all LOVED the movie.
Dumb Money deserves a 9.5 for me.