From the creative mind of Adam McKay comes another comedy that is based on a more dramatic premise. The Big Short is a new type of film for those of us familiar with the Anchorman, Talladega Nights, and Step Brothers form of McKay movies. Rather than creating a straight comedy, McKay turns to drama with comedy to support the story. For an issue that is so hard to understand, McKay makes it entertaining and maybe more understandable. To be honest, I still have no idea how the economy collapsed in 2008 but the film definitely kept my attention. Maybe if I watch it about five more times it will all make sense!
The Big Short also has a star-studded cast that meshes quite well together. Seeing Christian Bale as a person who cannot fit into society but somehow ended up work at an investment company was awesome. Also, McKay's use of Steve Carell in a dramatic role was great. Certainly Carell has proven himself to be capable of taking on just about any role. Surely, the skills seen from the many actors and actresses will gain some Oscar buzz and hopefully quite a few nominations. Not to mention, this film had the greatest cameos and placement of cameos I have ever seen.
Put together all of these factors and you get a solid dramedy reminiscent of The Wolf of Wall Street. However, this film strives on more of an ensemble cast and it uses some more unique film devices. Often times, the actors break the fourth wall by talking directly to the audience. This always tells the audience that something fishy is up with the film and it builds a direct connection with the audience. This is just one of the tools that McKay uses in creating this glorious comedy or drama. I am not exactly sure which he was going for mostly, but it definitely works as both.
The Bottom Line: Expect a film reminiscent of McKay's previous works, but also deeply dramatic and full of crazy cinematic devices that might somehow leave you with no knowledge on the issue that it is trying to explain.
Score: 9.4/10
The Big Short also has a star-studded cast that meshes quite well together. Seeing Christian Bale as a person who cannot fit into society but somehow ended up work at an investment company was awesome. Also, McKay's use of Steve Carell in a dramatic role was great. Certainly Carell has proven himself to be capable of taking on just about any role. Surely, the skills seen from the many actors and actresses will gain some Oscar buzz and hopefully quite a few nominations. Not to mention, this film had the greatest cameos and placement of cameos I have ever seen.
Put together all of these factors and you get a solid dramedy reminiscent of The Wolf of Wall Street. However, this film strives on more of an ensemble cast and it uses some more unique film devices. Often times, the actors break the fourth wall by talking directly to the audience. This always tells the audience that something fishy is up with the film and it builds a direct connection with the audience. This is just one of the tools that McKay uses in creating this glorious comedy or drama. I am not exactly sure which he was going for mostly, but it definitely works as both.
The Bottom Line: Expect a film reminiscent of McKay's previous works, but also deeply dramatic and full of crazy cinematic devices that might somehow leave you with no knowledge on the issue that it is trying to explain.
Score: 9.4/10
