Experience the thrilling tale of financial rebellion in “Dumb Money,” a movie that celebrates the power of the little guy in the stock market. This real-life story shook Wall Street to its core, leaving investors and institutions perplexed and bursting with disbelief.
Paul Dano brilliantly portrays our hero, Keith Gill, a new dad from the Boston suburbs. With his signature red headband and whimsical cat-themed T-shirts, Gill takes to the internet to share his stock picks. Skeptics may question his fashion choices, but many heed his advice.
Gill’s unwavering optimism focused on GameStop, a struggling retail chain specializing in video games and accessories. While big Wall Street firms bet against the company, Gill rallied a group of smaller investors to buy GameStop stock. Their collective efforts sparked a “short squeeze,” causing massive losses for hedge funds until Wall Street fought back unfairly.
“Dumb Money” proudly champions the everyday investor, contrasting them against the caricatured Wall Street elites who indulge in luxurious lifestyles. Set in real locations like Texas, Pittsburgh, and Boston, this film showcases relatable blue-collar workers and students.
Written by former Wall Street Journal reporters Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo, the script provides a refreshing perspective. Director Craig Gillespie, known for “I, Tonya,” takes a linear approach, departing from his previous impressionistic style.
Unlike movies such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “The Big Short,” which focus on boardrooms, “Dumb Money” unfolds in dorms, basement offices, and hospitals. Instead of Margot Robbie explaining complex financial products in a bathtub, a fully-clothed nurse educates viewers between rounds.
Featuring an exceptional cast including America Ferrera, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, and Seth Rogen, the performances shine. Davidson impresses with his comedic and dramatic skills, while Dano anchors the film as the calm and relatable protagonist. And Cardi B’s iconic track, “WAP,” adds a delightful touch to the soundtrack.
The movie reaches its pinnacle when GameStop’s stock skyrockets by 1,600%, turning potential investors into overnight millionaires. However, the question of whether to hold on or cash out creates anxiety. There is a palpable sense of belief in Gill and a defiant attitude amongst the “dumb money” that refuses to accept the status quo.
The populist message is clear: as long as Wall Street undervalues everyday people, the financial system will remain broken. The GameStop revolution serves as a much-needed correction. “The game has changed,” Gill’s wife tells him.
To enliven the movie, Gillespie incorporates snippets of real TV news coverage from CNN, Fox Business, and CNBC. Internet memes, often featuring gorillas, which small investors used to encourage each other to hold on to GameStop stock, become part of the narrative. These elements add a burst of authenticity.
While the movie’s ending might leave some unsatisfied, it is not a fault of the filmmakers. The stock frenzy in 2021 led to a hedge fund’s collapse and exposed troubling practices by the mobile trading platform Robinhood. Nonetheless, Wall Street continues to persevere, as depicted by Gill’s iconic kitty poster with the slogan.
Rated R for pervasive language, sexual material, and drug use, “Dumb Money” is a powerful and thought-provoking movie that runs for 110 minutes. It deserves three out of four stars.
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Watch “Dumb Money” at https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/dumbmoney
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Follow Mark Kennedy on Twitter: @KennedyTwits
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