The Big Short

The first in a windfall of financial crisis film to pay off.

Critic’s Grade: A

We’re in a bubble of movies about the financial crisis, but The Big Short is the first good one. It’s based on the book by Michael Lewis, who’s known for making complicated financial topics into compelling stories, and adapted by Adam McKay, who is known for Talladega Nights and the “More Cowbell” sketch. Surprisingly, this combo works. The film focuses on three real weirdos (Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt) who were some of the only people to predict the collapse of the housing market in 2007. It’s entertaining and informative, just like you’d expect from Michael Lewis and not at all what you’d expect from Adam McKay.

Rated R.

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