Dumb Money Blu-ray Review
“Dumb Money” is breezy entertainment.
Based on true events and the novel “The Antisocial Network,” “Dumb Money” is the story of the GameStop Meme Stock bonanza. Although it could be seen as an ensemble story, the heart of the film revolves around Keith Gill- a husband/father financial analyst who has a presence on Reddit and YouTube. During the pandemic, Gill notices the GameStop stock drop and decides to heavily invest in it because he believes it is undervalued. Melvin Capital Management attempts to short the stock but it backfires when the GameStop stock begins to rise in popularity.
Outside of Gill’s story (which also involves his jerk brother Kevin and Keith’s wife Caroline), writers Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo also delve into stories involving a group of individuals investing in GameStop including a nurse (Jennifer), a college student couple (Harmony and Riri), and a GameStop employee (Marcos) whose level of success varies. Outside of the Gamestop investors, there are plots involving the trading website Robinhood, the Melvin Capital Management big wig Gabe Plotkin, hedge fund owner Ken Griffin, and subpoenas.
Unlike the bloated, overhyped, and self-important “The Big Short” and “The Wolf Of Wall Street,” director Craig Gillespie’s “Dumb Money” is a film about the financial world that is worth getting behind. Not only is it a wholly captivating true life story, but it’s a memorable underdog story of people disrupting a broken financial system. Through each of the character’s individual stories, we really get a grasp (and perspective) on the then current state of Wall Street with the haves and have nots, the status quo, the corruption, and how social media has changed things to a degree. Yes, the Meme Stock craze has quieted down to be sure, but who is to say it won’t happen again? Who is to say that observant and intelligent people like Keith Gill can’t empower the common folk? “Dumb Money” gives you a lot to think about. Yes, it does feel like some story is missing here, but maybe we’ll get a sequel down the line?
The cast is absolutely stacked from top to bottom with the likes of Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, America Ferrera, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Dane DeHaan, Olivia Thirby, and Clancy Brown. The ever underrated Paul Dano really guides the movie narratively as Keith. He just has a way of being so unassuming yet not at the same time. America Ferrera is having herself a banner year between this and “Barbie.” Hopefully she continues to get more rewarding roles. Seth Rogen and Nick Offerman shine as the sort of villains of the piece. Normally Pete Davdison irritates me, but he’s got a character of depth to deal with here. Shailene Woodley is also on point here as Keith’s wife Caroline. Her scenes with Dano are particularly noteworthy.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? While not the most visual film, this transfer is still sharp regardless.
Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Viewers can expect a quality track.
Extras:
* Digital copy
* Sony trailers
* Commentary by writers/producers Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo.
* 3 deleted/extended scenes.
* “Fat Cats And The Roaring Kitty”- Cast and crew talk about the story and financial world.
* “Diamond Hand Ensemble” is all about the stacked cast.
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