Dumb Money is conventional but effective. The script skillfully bounces across parallel threads with concise characters, productive dialogue, earned levity, relatability, and mounting tension. Its hook intro sets the mood, emotions support the plot-driven story, and financial jargon is given in digestible doses. There are relevant themes about inequality, class consciousness, and the American Dream. The acting solidifies everything with authenticity, chemistry, charisma, layers, outbursts, and range. None of this is ground-breaking, but the movie stays entertaining and informative throughout. Ultimately, Dumb Money competently delivers a fascinating modern tale.
Technically, Dumb Money balances crowd-pleasing tones. The imagery wavers between sleek and drab with desaturated colors, stark lighting, and sharp focus. Its sound adds split cuts, match cuts, and layering. The production design highlights the era, setting, and class cultures. Its effects are essentially nonexistent. The music switches between trendy electronic scoring and trendy needle drops. Its cast is deep with fame and talent, but lacks a superstar. Finally, the editing drives the film with consistent cross cuts, montages, inserts, split screens, slo-mo, archives, and brevity. Overall, Dumb Money's brisk pace, sturdy performances, and compelling topics make it satisfying.
Writing: 8/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Acting: 8/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 9/10
Effects: 6/10
Overall Score: 7.7/10
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