DUMB MONEY

I wouldn’t call it a dumb film but Dumb Money certainly struggles to find the right balance between themes and characters, while a rousing, moralistic finale doesn’t erase a slow, bland first hour.

The odds are you will gradualy lose interest in Dumb Money during its first hour, which recounts how a growing amount of small-time investors bet against Wall Street by buying GameStop stock and nearly pulled off a major victory against unbridled capitalism.

The story behind the film isn't to blame, but rather the onslaught of minor characters who don't really bring anything new to the narrative, nor do they help move along the major themes and plotlines of the film. This makes the first hour of Dumb Money particularly heard to sit through.

Director Craig Gillespie thus doesn't come close to the trashy fun real-life exposé that his previous effort I, Tonya was, but in Paul Dano he does have a lead actor who does interesting things, even if the film surrounding him doesn't always support him in his efforts.

Case in point: it isn't until a chatforum is taken offline near the end of the second act that Dumb Money finally picks up some pace and draws you into the 'us against them' narrative. The well-constructed third act then more or less makes amends and even if it's far too moralistic it at least is entertaining.

release: 2023

director: Craig Gillespie

starring: Paul Dano, Shailene Woodley, Seth Rogen, America Ferrara