Dumb Money is a surprise, yet I shouldn’t be surprised. All star casts can be hit or miss, but what really showed promise was director Craig Gillespie’s name attached. Gillespie has gone on to direct many outstanding films like Lars and the Real Girl & I, Tonya, and most recently directed a couple of episodes of the 2022 miniseries, Pam & Tommy.

The director’s credits shows promise of high quality entertainment. What he understands incredibly well is energy and characters – two aspects he delivers wonderfully here. Immediately, I got the sense that we were in for an energized ride. While the film knows how to ride the highest of the highs, and it also knows how to ride the lowest of the lows all thanks to Gillespie bringing so much realism to the characters.

It’s the talent in front of the camera that really make the film. Gillespie has a big undertaking directing many characters through an interwoven story that has to make sense in the end. Everyone is terrific in their own way, but it’s really Paul Dano, America Ferrera, and Seth Rogen are the highlights, but I can see where others will see highlights in other characters. Paul Dano has to be one of the most underrated actors working. His ability to identify unique roles allows him to exhibit his acting chops. America Ferrera is on a role lately, which I am glad to see since watching Superstore. Lastly, Seth Rogen has got to be one of the most talented guys out there right now. Ten years ago, I don’t think I could have ever seen him in this type of role. He is clearly open to doing new roles.

I mention the energy here quite a bit. What is important about it here that I think would establish itself as a period piece in the future is how it understands its world that it is telling through the editing. There are quite a bit of videos and clips that were produced during the time that this takes place in. This really helps the viewer not only understand the world, but feel like they are in on the action. It’s a impressive tactic to get viewers to feel invested within the story.

The film’s pros also happen to have some cons within themself. As entertaining as the story is, it can be hard to reinvest in each story throughout from time to time. Just as one scene is getting energetic and good, it tends to cut to a different scene, which can make the tone and pacing a bit jarring. It also cuts outs important information that would have been better explored in more depth, such as Paul Dano’s characters background. Things are just said, but never shown, which are important to the story. At 105 minutes, the film could have done more and it probably could have helped with understanding the characters that you are supposed to root for better.

Overall, Dumb Money feels like one of those films that I can’t wait to have my future kids watch. Even though the material took place not that long ago, director Craig Gillespie crafts this film in a way that feels historic due to the attention to detail. All around, the cast makes this film what it is – an entertaining, comedic & emotional film that has more than enough energy to fire you up from start to finish.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)