The Big Short

8

JimmySpeakerDec 13, 2021

The Big Short is a film that has me torn as a critic since my first time watching. Incredible cinematography and an all-star cast are accompanied by a film that feels a little tiring to watch at times, leaving you waiting for the climax againThe Big Short is a film that has me torn as a critic since my first time watching. Incredible cinematography and an all-star cast are accompanied by a film that feels a little tiring to watch at times, leaving you waiting for the climax again and again. From a cinematic standpoint, I feel as though it relies on the all-star quality cast too much at times, with Bale, Gosling, Pitt, and particularly Carell providing excellent performances. I'm a fan of Adam McKay, particularly his strategy for cinematography and design. However, unlike my support for the pacing of later film Vice, there were times where I (an avid "fan" of investing, the stock market, economics) was hoping the film would push the pace. Timing aside, The Big Short is both one of the greatest finance films of all time, as well as one of the greatest films of 2015.… Expand

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7

JacobDec 28, 2015

The Big Short is a good self aware economic film. While it is talky and full of economic terms it knows this and smartly breaks down key terms for the average audience. The characters in it are well performed. If you can get past the shakyThe Big Short is a good self aware economic film. While it is talky and full of economic terms it knows this and smartly breaks down key terms for the average audience. The characters in it are well performed. If you can get past the shaky cam you can see this film for the well made piece that it is.… Expand

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7

ridemoosesJan 26, 2016

As a movie; it's okay. There are a lot of funny and witty moments but overall it doesn't tell a great "story". However, what it does do is give a powerful message of the corruption and influence of money in politics. The actors are fantasticAs a movie; it's okay. There are a lot of funny and witty moments but overall it doesn't tell a great "story". However, what it does do is give a powerful message of the corruption and influence of money in politics. The actors are fantastic in their roles and they work very well together. If you're looking for another reason to vote for Bernie Sanders you should see this movie.… Expand

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7

beingryanjudeJan 5, 2016

Through the use of humor, entertaining explanations and over-the-top performances, THE BIG SHORT avoids becoming another dull look at the world’s largest financial crisis. Adam McKay and his bandits actually make it quite fun - while stillThrough the use of humor, entertaining explanations and over-the-top performances, THE BIG SHORT avoids becoming another dull look at the world’s largest financial crisis. Adam McKay and his bandits actually make it quite fun - while still recognizing the extreme fraudulences that occurred.… Expand

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7

csw12Dec 31, 2015

Made like a documentary, The Big Short tells a very complicated story through some unorthodox methods. The best part about the film is the way it explained key terms for the average audience. In the end, the film does a good job explainingMade like a documentary, The Big Short tells a very complicated story through some unorthodox methods. The best part about the film is the way it explained key terms for the average audience. In the end, the film does a good job explaining only one side of the story while excusing the other.… Expand

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7

Compi24Jan 8, 2016

Yeah, half of the dialogue might sound like **** to me, but I can't deny good filmmaking at play. Bitingly apt satire mixes with earnest performances in what is clearly Adam McKay's passion project. "The Big Short" may not be accessible toYeah, half of the dialogue might sound like **** to me, but I can't deny good filmmaking at play. Bitingly apt satire mixes with earnest performances in what is clearly Adam McKay's passion project. "The Big Short" may not be accessible to everyone, but it's certainly funny and fun to watch.… Expand

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7

foxgroveJan 24, 2016

Director Adam McKay has made complex and potentially boring subject matter, the global market collapse of 2008, into an interesting and multi- faceted movie. It helps that the screenplay is sporadically funny even if impetus is lost by theDirector Adam McKay has made complex and potentially boring subject matter, the global market collapse of 2008, into an interesting and multi- faceted movie. It helps that the screenplay is sporadically funny even if impetus is lost by the end due to over length. The ability of the average viewer, however, to decipher all the plot points and jargon relating to the financial industry is almost guaranteed to restrict its audience. Of the actors, Steve Carell comes of best and totally redeems himself after his dreadful turn in ‘Freeheld’. Technically the film lacks clear visuals on occasion, but the kaleidoscopic editing style impressively reflects popular culture of the time.… Expand

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7

nicholasbertJan 10, 2016

Driven mostly by its interesting matter and a grand (albeit short) performance by Christian Bale, The Big Short takes a different and sometimes schizophrenic approach at camera movements, but the fun parts are quite fun indeed, and as I said,Driven mostly by its interesting matter and a grand (albeit short) performance by Christian Bale, The Big Short takes a different and sometimes schizophrenic approach at camera movements, but the fun parts are quite fun indeed, and as I said, the power of it lies mostly in its true-story feel.… Expand

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7

keemtJan 5, 2016

I might have been too excited to see this film. The acting was great, especially Carell. The jokes weren't funny, the music wasn't good or well-blended, and the events weren't exciting, but were a little shocking. Overall I think it's theI might have been too excited to see this film. The acting was great, especially Carell. The jokes weren't funny, the music wasn't good or well-blended, and the events weren't exciting, but were a little shocking. Overall I think it's the best documentary (without graphs) but nowhere near the movie it could have been. A more effusive focus on the dramatic, stressful, tense moments or the joys and excruciating wierdness of everything would have been great. The directing and editing certainly weren't bad, I just imagine that the scenes evoked more emotion in the makers of this film than in me.

Pointless complaints would be that 1) we didn't even get to see the outline of Margot Robbie's breasts (why am I paying theater prices??) and 2) the government's role in the crisis wasn't mentioned at all---and although I'm sure this is pretty consistent with the book, it's still irritating to me.

Definitely hope Leo finally gets his oscar for this one.… Expand

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7

jflaDec 28, 2015

The cast is great, particularly Carrell and Bale, McKay's direction is great and I loved the use of the celebrity cameos. But this film really didn't blow me away like I thought it would. Good movie, that I think people should see justThe cast is great, particularly Carrell and Bale, McKay's direction is great and I loved the use of the celebrity cameos. But this film really didn't blow me away like I thought it would. Good movie, that I think people should see just because of the story and that it needs to be told. But I would consider it more as a rental than actually going to the theaters and seeing… Expand

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7

jrodfilmsDec 24, 2015

i thought the movie was better than spotlight, since that film seems to be receiving all the praise. when most movies lose their momentum the third act this one became more intriguing. not debaucherous like wolf of wall street.

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7

moviecritic68Feb 15, 2016

Well if you are in the mood to get aggravated this movie will oblige. The acting and cast is superb but the story itself is a downer since it is a true story based on corruption & fraud. I can't disagree with those who rated it higher butWell if you are in the mood to get aggravated this movie will oblige. The acting and cast is superb but the story itself is a downer since it is a true story based on corruption & fraud. I can't disagree with those who rated it higher but it's value to me was slightly less. The fact that nothing has really changed reining in the big financial institutions is really disheartening which is shown in the out-takes.… Expand

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7

darkbloodshed13Feb 3, 2016

The Big Short is a big hit an every regard. It's funny, unique, historically accurate, and not to mention entertaining. The film depicts the fall of the housing market in 2008. It tries hard to depict the actual event and the people that newThe Big Short is a big hit an every regard. It's funny, unique, historically accurate, and not to mention entertaining. The film depicts the fall of the housing market in 2008. It tries hard to depict the actual event and the people that new about it as accurately as possible and when it breaks away from that the film takes time to make fun of it's self. Making for unique story. Plus the acting is fantastic, Steve Carrel delivers a great dramatic yet funny performance. However, this film isn't perfect. If you have no idea what this film is about then you might find your self wishing you were somewhere else. In conclusion if you are looking a fantastic comedy to distract you from real live stay a way from this film, but if you are looking for a unique film with a unique story than sit enjoy the show… Expand

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7

SchmoshFeb 16, 2016

Pros
Solid short stories. Really interesting characters. Acted really well. Creative stylistic choices. Well paced.
Cons
The directing was messy and the soundtrack was intrusive and distracting

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7

smiyamotMar 17, 2016

On the whole, a good, simplified, explanation of what caused the world economy to crash in 2007. Maybe that's the problem, this is a movie, not a school teaching video. Much like the Steve Carrell character, the movie sometimes becomesOn the whole, a good, simplified, explanation of what caused the world economy to crash in 2007. Maybe that's the problem, this is a movie, not a school teaching video. Much like the Steve Carrell character, the movie sometimes becomes obnoxious. It did point out many of the safeguards in our financial system and how they broke down to allow this to happen. One can only hope that government regulators have put in place more safeguards.… Expand

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7

joehavermannDec 23, 2015

“The Big Short” tells an engaging story with an excellent cast.

Nevertheless, there are times that the film feels like a docudrama directed by Michael Moore; as a person who sometimes enjoys Moore’s work, I say that more as an observation“The Big Short” tells an engaging story with an excellent cast.

Nevertheless, there are times that the film feels like a docudrama directed by Michael Moore; as a person who sometimes enjoys Moore’s work, I say that more as an observation than a strict criticism. But like Moore’s work, the film is sometimes preachy in an overbearing way, and like Moore himself, writer/director Adam McKay doesn’t trust the audience with serious material: the film assumes that the audience must always be entertained. I don’t think I’m spoiling anything of substance when I mention that the film literally takes breaks from the story in order to have celebrity guests like Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, and Anthony Bourdain explain complex financial instruments directly to the camera. The scenes are presented in a way that’s meant to come across as fun and irreverent. As somebody who followed the financial crisis as it unfolded, and read about it afterwards, I found the whole tack to be vaguely insulting. Still, McKay probably recognized that he had a fascinating and important story, and realized that he needed a way to convey this information to members of the audience without boring or confusing them; he can’t be faulted for operating from accurate assumptions.

The film follows the interesting characters who took the daring position of ‘betting’ against the housing market in the mid-2000s (through short selling). It should be noted that these weren’t the first people to notice the housing bubble -- just the ones who profited from it. (Dean Baker, who also accurately predicted the tech bubble burst, wrote about this as early as 2002; see ‘The Run-Up in Home Prices: Is it Real or Is it Another Bubble?,’ Aug 2002.) Pointing this out doesn’t make their stories any less engrossing. I found Christian Bale’s performance in the role of Michael Burry particularly noteworthy; Carrel and Gosling are also terrific.

“The Big Short” is not the best of the year, and I don’t think it deserves the Oscar nomination it will surely receive. But it’s good. And it is fundamentally accurate in its depiction of the financial industry as driven by fraud and fueled by greedy incompetence.… Expand

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7

herndonrulesJan 17, 2016

Tells a story involving complex financial mechanisms in an understandable and entertaining way. Not easy to do. The ensemble cast all act the the story well, all are portrayed as eccentric, which I guess is why this is described as comedy.Tells a story involving complex financial mechanisms in an understandable and entertaining way. Not easy to do. The ensemble cast all act the the story well, all are portrayed as eccentric, which I guess is why this is described as comedy. Not sure I see it that way, given the tragedy the movie portrays. Tough to find a hero in this, as all are out to make money. It also glosses over the role the federal government had in contributing to the crisis. Those are minor criticisms against an overall worth seeing movie. Stick around for the devastating closing credits and music.… Expand

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7

LeoAshtonJan 19, 2016

Good performances by the whole cast, especially Steve Carell. The pacing was great but it masked that it's basically a one note movie. Bankers are dumb and greedy. Not much else to say. I also did not care for the constant breaking of the fourth wall

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7

FilipeNetoJan 16, 2021

The economic crisis from 2008 to 2012 is something we all remember. More or less, most people in the US and Europe suffered with that. The film focuses entirely on the way it all started: the American housing bubble, the way greedy banks wereThe economic crisis from 2008 to 2012 is something we all remember. More or less, most people in the US and Europe suffered with that. The film focuses entirely on the way it all started: the American housing bubble, the way greedy banks were ignoring danger signals in order not to compromise profits, and the way a very small group of economists and speculators realized, with some time to prepare themselves, what would happen, and the repercussions that such a big bubble would have for the whole world.

The film is good, but it is very complex and on a theme that will not please everyone. The economy, with all its own professional slang, is not something that comes to our mind when we think of entertainment. Even so, the script did an excellent job by trying to create a story over a seemingly indigestible topic and making a remarkable effort to explain everything in an easy-to-understand way. The subplots have been used very well and help to make the film appear to have more stories to tell than it actually has.

The cast is good and full of actors that we easily recognize from other works. For me, the two most notable artists present here are Christian Bale and Steve Carrell. Both did good jobs, giving life to two economists portrayed in an unorthodox way: one is an amateur drummer and an unconditional hard rock fan; the other is conflicted and easily gets into trouble and arguments. Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt also did a good job on this film, although their characters are relatively unremarkable.

Technically, the film has immense quality points: it has a good cinematography, with well-achieved colors and excellent light. The sets and costumes do not disappoint, but neither are they surprising. The pace of the film is relatively fast and the feeling that prevails is that it is necessary to review some parts of the film to fully understand what is going on.… Expand

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7

MahmusSep 25, 2020

I love how this movie tries to dumb down the complicated ecomics to the point of literally using Jenga blocks to explain them and I still have no **** idea what anyone's talking about. It's like I'm watching Primer all over again.

This movieI love how this movie tries to dumb down the complicated ecomics to the point of literally using Jenga blocks to explain them and I still have no **** idea what anyone's talking about. It's like I'm watching Primer all over again.

This movie really creates a sense of impendending doom, and I really like how it gets more and more serious as it goes on. The editing is incredibly jarring but feels very on purpose.

All the actors are great here, especially Steve Carrell. He's the best of cast. Brad Pitt in this film is a 2020 mood. Christian Bale is my spirit animal. Ryan Goslin reminded me of Jeff Winger from Community for some reason. He pretty much calls the audience a little **** for the whole movie and honestly, I'm ok with that… Expand

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7

master_seboJun 14, 2020

The Big Short is a good movie transposition of the homonymous book written by Michael Lewis, which I read before watching the movie itself. I think that, despite an overall well performing cast, that successfully mirrors the personalities ofThe Big Short is a good movie transposition of the homonymous book written by Michael Lewis, which I read before watching the movie itself. I think that, despite an overall well performing cast, that successfully mirrors the personalities of the eccentric characters depicted in Lewis's original story, there are some flaws related to the evolution of the plot, and the progressive disclosure of Wall Street's fraudulent system: some details are left apart (I'm referring to what happened to Househould, or the first Ninety's bubble that involved Eisman/Baum); CDS and CDO are explained only superficially, and if the audience is not informed of the fact that the subprime mortgage system pivoted on palming responsibility off investment banks' clients, something may not balance. The epilogue is quite weak too, and doesn't fully stress the repercussion of the collapse of Wall Street on the individuals (not only the common people, but those who detained actions and titles in the failed banks). However, a good point has to be given on the "performing" part: Gosling was superb in interpreting Lippmann/Vennett, and the same can be said to Steve Carell and Christian Bale. Definitely suggested.… Expand

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7

MrPajamasJul 17, 2022

It's a cool film, but I think it will only attract a certain audience, namely people who know economics and understand the concepts of this topic. I got lost in it myself a few times, although it's cool that the film tries to explain some ofIt's a cool film, but I think it will only attract a certain audience, namely people who know economics and understand the concepts of this topic. I got lost in it myself a few times, although it's cool that the film tries to explain some of the ambiguities in a slightly funny way. Still, it's quite a mess. That's all there is to it. So if you know your stuff and are interested in what was going on in the world economy at the time, then a cool movie for you. For others, I would rather not recommend it. I, although I didn't know my way around here and there, was quite entertained and for me a good film.… Expand

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7

AgentLviJul 9, 2023

Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great

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6

EludiumQ36Jul 9, 2016

I don't get all the enthusiasm for this film, maybe it's just fascination with A-list actors (Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale), and celeb cameos: overexposed Margot Robbie - in a bubble bath no less - explaining MBSes, AnthonyI don't get all the enthusiasm for this film, maybe it's just fascination with A-list actors (Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale), and celeb cameos: overexposed Margot Robbie - in a bubble bath no less - explaining MBSes, Anthony Bourdain explaining CDOs, and chipmunk-faced ditz Selena Gomez explaining synthetic CDOs. Yes, they're trying to liven up an otherwise boring topic that's more suitable as a documentary than a film drama, but they risk coming off as contrived, trying too hard. I think that's what aggravated me most; not everything is suitable for the theater, some stories are best done as television documentaries, and some are more suitable as a mini-series.… Expand

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6

GreatMartinJan 1, 2016

For many years I have said that my brother got the money gene and I got the good looking gene and, once again, “The Big Short” may prove that true. The film is about the financial collapse in 2008 and those who made billions of dollarsFor many years I have said that my brother got the money gene and I got the good looking gene and, once again, “The Big Short” may prove that true. The film is about the financial collapse in 2008 and those who made billions of dollars while an unaccountable number of people lost their homes and/or jobs. Much is made of the fact that many behind the scene, knowing what was going on, didn’t do a thing to stop it and got away scot free.

The film, with humor at odds with the theme, tries to explain exactly how the collapse came about in terms that even people like me might understand including the actors talking to the audience. This latter gimmick is at first interesting, including Margot Robbie in a bubble bath drinking champagne and later Selena Gomez gambling in a Las Vegas casino explaining aspects of subprime mortgages, loans and other finances but it eventually becomes distracting when an actor breaks the fourth wall, making you tune out on what is being said.

Though it is very much an ensemble film certain actors stand out such as Brad Pitt, almost unrecognizable until you realize who it is, playing a retired banker, Christian Bale as, to say the least, a very eccentric hedge fund manager, Ryan Gosling as an investor and Steve Carell as a rude trader. Marisa Tomei and Melissa Leo, though good are more or less wasted.

What interested me were the actors I didn’t know or did know but couldn’t name them. In the former group was Finn Wittrock as a young investor and Rafe Spall, both very impressive, and in the latter Jeremy Strong, Hamish Linklater and Adepero Oduye.

Though the writers Charles Randolph and Adam McKay wrote the screen play, based on the book by Michael Lewis, using humor just doesn’t sit right with a subject we know does not have happy ending and brought the USA on the verge of collapse, affected the rest of the world and still does. The direction by McKay is hectic; the editing by Hank Corwin is confusing and the music, at times, jars the audience out of the movie.

Money gene or not, understanding finance or not, I found the actors more interesting than I did the movie. “The Big Short”, by its subject alone, should have been more effective even though you will shake your head as the screen shows what didn’t happen to the ones who caused the collapse.… Expand

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6

TheApplegnomeJan 13, 2016

An overly complex ride into the real truth of our globalized & capitalized world. ’The Big-falls just-Short’ behind from being a great true story -- with a clever and advanced plot, but too vaguely visualized characters is a fact. There’reAn overly complex ride into the real truth of our globalized & capitalized world. ’The Big-falls just-Short’ behind from being a great true story -- with a clever and advanced plot, but too vaguely visualized characters is a fact. There’re some great depth to the characters, but they never give any real excitement -- even though that there are some few, even smart, moments to them. Great acting and writing is a present aspect yes, and the vast ambitious story tries to simplify many definitions that’s too complex for the normal citizen to understand -- but mostly fail due to the lack of even more simplifications. This is a pure dialog-driven film, and it can be draggy. But it still does manage to bring many realistic facts to life, but ”the normal man isn’t knowledgeable enough” -- that’s the major flaw of this ’Parks and Recreation-ish’ direction flick.

Personal rating: 65/100
Critical rating: 72/100… Expand

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6

AxeTJan 16, 2016

The reason to see this is the cast of leads who are all good in their individual quirky character ways as well as the irreverent comedy made out of the Wall Street meltdown in 2008. It takes chances using offbeat conventions that are nothingThe reason to see this is the cast of leads who are all good in their individual quirky character ways as well as the irreverent comedy made out of the Wall Street meltdown in 2008. It takes chances using offbeat conventions that are nothing new but unexpected for this subject. However it is horribly shot emulating a show like "The Office" and is fairly sloppily edited at least in the cutting sense. There is no reason ever to have that phony cinema vérité video look for a theatrical motion picture. It's an all too common dumb choice by filmmakers believing it makes it more real. Hey I'll watch "60 Minutes" if I want real!
Then again the director here has no sense of style, only a frat boy sense of humor. It's funny at times yeah and yet tackles the complex content surprisingly efficiently, and that comes close to overriding the annoyances. The Academy sheep didn't seem to mind them and nominated it best picture along with its slob director. Ironic since it's that very sheep like mentality that the film is critical of.… Expand

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6

AliceofXFeb 2, 2016

This is the part where I would say The Big Short is a movie about this or that, but I'm not sure if I can even call it a movie. It seems more like a high quality docudrama with some parts like something out of a Youtube video. It's veryThis is the part where I would say The Big Short is a movie about this or that, but I'm not sure if I can even call it a movie. It seems more like a high quality docudrama with some parts like something out of a Youtube video. It's very informative if verging on being too wordy.

However I'm struggling to find more words for it. Its lack of a people centred narrative makes it hard to compare to other films. The film's main star is facts and hard history and that might be offsetting to some viewers. But to be fair I'm not sure how it could have been done differently.

How do you make a movie about such complicated and hard to understand things without giving the audience a bunch of lessons? To the film makers credit The Big Short is a fun film, it certainly won't bore you, which is not an easy feat to manage with such material.

It is well acted even if the actors don't have much to do and there are some emotional moments. I think the brightest gem in this is Steve Carell and he's very much the star of the film.

Overall The Big Short is a good film, it's enjoyable, but there's not much more to say about it afterwards.… Expand

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6

MattBrady99Feb 16, 2016

So I've finally saw The Big Short this week and I thought it was pretty average. Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt all gave terrific performances, and I'm so happy that "Foxcatcher" wasn't just a one off for Steve Carell. The writingSo I've finally saw The Big Short this week and I thought it was pretty average. Steve Carell, Christian Bale and Brad Pitt all gave terrific performances, and I'm so happy that "Foxcatcher" wasn't just a one off for Steve Carell. The writing was great and some of the 4th wall breaking in this movie was good, and yes the characters actually do turn to the camera and say whatever their thinking.

I like Ryan Gosling a lot as an actor, but in this movie he didn't do anything that special (in my opinion). I just wish there was a little bit more to his character then what we got. I'm not saying that his the worse part of the movie, but he's only there to narrate the story and explain a lot of things that happen in the film.

The style of the movie did get on nerves a little a bit and I know it may not bother other people, but it did for me. Some of the 4th wall breaking and the directing decisions doesn't always hit as it whats to.

Overall The Big Short is a decent movie with knock out performances. I know a lot of people either like or love this movie (from what I've seen), and I can understand why since there's a lot to like in this film.… Expand

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6

pureshoresMar 25, 2016

Okay I admit I didn't really get the whole housing mortgage crisis. Yes, even with Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez helping out, it was just too complex for me. And maybe that's where the problem started for me. Otherwise everything else wereOkay I admit I didn't really get the whole housing mortgage crisis. Yes, even with Margot Robbie and Selena Gomez helping out, it was just too complex for me. And maybe that's where the problem started for me. Otherwise everything else were good though I feel Christian Bale was a little underused. Maybe he's better when exchanging lines with an ensemble versus on his own.… Expand

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6

BroyaxJan 10, 2017

Je ne sais pas quoi penser de ce film. J'ai la tête farcie de cette chiasse à "traders", de leurs montages financiers à la mords-moi-le-zob et je me disais par devers moi que faire un film de 3h là-dessus, c'est un peu fort de café. Or, il seJe ne sais pas quoi penser de ce film. J'ai la tête farcie de cette chiasse à "traders", de leurs montages financiers à la mords-moi-le-zob et je me disais par devers moi que faire un film de 3h là-dessus, c'est un peu fort de café. Or, il se trouve que le "Big Short" ne fait "qu'environ" 2h : c'est trop, beaucoup trop.

Malgré les métaphores pour nous expliquer toutes les magouilles, on est pas sûr de tout comprendre mais ne vous en faites pas, ma petite dame (la ménagère de moins de 50 ans, cela va sans dire) ils n'y comprennent rien non plus. Ou du moins, c'est ce qu'ils s'efforcent de nous faire comprendre, car à menteur, menteur et demi.

Après un tel film auquel on doit reconnaître à tout le moins son taux assez élevé de dénonciation des bâtards de la maille et pourquoi pas, d'insurrection morale légitime, on n'a qu'une envie : prendre son 4x4 et défoncer la première agence venue. Mais ne le faites pas, il s'agit d'une vue de l'esprit et ce serait faire le lit rampant de l'extrême-gauche et autres anarcho-gauchistes : des deux maux, autant choisir le moindre, car on sait les dégâts du stalino-communisme.

Le film n'est pas du tout une comédie mais parvient malgré sa densité qui veut nous noyer dans les affres de la délinquance boursière à conserver un ton cynique et désabusé du début à la fin, grâce aux acteurs qui donnent le meilleur d'eux-mêmes -même Brad Pitre et c'est à souligner, s'avère supportable en fin de compte (!). Gosling, Bale et Farrell forment en tout cas un trio de choc.

On se sent un peu abruti, énervé, révolté et dépité à l'issue de ce festival de magouillage pyramidal, une impression somme toute (!) désagréable : j'aurais préféré plus de verve et de satire, histoire d'en rire un peu, sans doute parce que je reste à mon insu un con de consommateur capitaliste.… Expand

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6

o_retyAug 23, 2020

Solid, but modern. All the usual suspects are present. A hip editing - check, 4th wall-braking winks - check, non-existent story/characters - check. The theme is both interesting and important, but all you're gonna get is only a slick, MTVSolid, but modern. All the usual suspects are present. A hip editing - check, 4th wall-braking winks - check, non-existent story/characters - check. The theme is both interesting and important, but all you're gonna get is only a slick, MTV treatment of it.… Expand

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5

NedRyerson1Feb 23, 2016

The Big Short is like the plot that should have supported the emptiness of The Wolf of Wall Street. Since the trailer you realize that the topic is dense and no suitable for general public; it’s about the housing market crisis of 2008. So theThe Big Short is like the plot that should have supported the emptiness of The Wolf of Wall Street. Since the trailer you realize that the topic is dense and no suitable for general public; it’s about the housing market crisis of 2008. So the movie really starts hard to follow, the director absolutely nailed it with the original idea for explaining for dummies the financial concepts, laws and principles; making this film a lot more pleasant, although it’s still too technical. Obviously if you are part of the business world, you will understand everything from more complex theories to jokes. The thing is that common people don’t know anything about that world, not even the language, so the experts can do whatever they want and you won’t even notice, simply letting it happen. The interesting part is that this situation not only occurs in economy, but also in politics, religion, science and more, a few make decisions that affect the bunch; and ignorance is their blessing. Holding this topic is an impeccable editing and with Steve Carell’s acting are certainly the most remarkable things in the picture. Christian Bale had definitely done better, Brad Pitt is nothing but filling and the rest of the cast is just ordinary. With a less technical script would have been much better.… Expand

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5

NickTheCritickApr 12, 2022

A very conceited film, I just can't like the style of this director. His direction and editing create a nervous breakdown in me.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

bamendolApr 3, 2016

This movie feels largely contrived. The jokes land flat. Fortunately it can stand as a watchable film because it is based on a compelling book and has a good cast.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

o___0Aug 17, 2016

Though the film tests the limits of its genre effectively, one leaves wondering whether a documentary on these real-life events would have been more entertaining and enlightening.

By breaking the fourth wall, the movie sneaks in importantThough the film tests the limits of its genre effectively, one leaves wondering whether a documentary on these real-life events would have been more entertaining and enlightening.

By breaking the fourth wall, the movie sneaks in important information and cheekily establishes a rapport with the viewer. For instance, the film eschews tedious and unrealistic expository dialogue in favor of mini-explanations by celebrities. When something particularly cinematic happens, Ryan Gosling addresses the viewer and tells us whether it did or did not actually happen. Despite the seriousness of the topic, these techniques create a light-hearted tone.

But despite the recent flood of biopics and based-on-a-true-story films, the dramatization of this story does not strike the viewer as the most effective narrative choice. If Gosling needs to reveal to us what is real and what is dramatized, wouldn’t it be more to the point if it were...all real? And wouldn’t the strange cameos be rendered unnecessary if the movie found a way to explain key points in a way that wasn’t condescending? If nothing visually interesting is truly happening in the narrative (thus the need to add objectified women as eye-candy), why did they think reenacting these scenes would be cinematic at all? Most vexingly, the genre has an obsession with nailing its characters’ idiosyncrasies as if to prove that it’s done its homework. Though each character in this film is undoubtedly eccentric, attempts to characterize them quickly become boring and seem two-dimensional - particularly because none of the five main characters are developed enough to be likable.

One of the praises of the movie is its ability to inform while entertaining. However, documentaries like “Enron: the Smartest Guys in the Room”, “We’re Not Broke”, and “Inside Job” have proven highly informative as well as engrossing. The subject matter - that of the largest legal robbery of American taxpayers in recent history, and the men who figured it all out - is exciting enough to carry a movie that doesn’t condescend to its viewers, endorse sexism, or invent narrative fluff.… Expand

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3

half58Jan 2, 2016

The subject was interesting, the acting was (what I could watch of it) good. excellent way to introduce financial terms for the layman. The problem was the visual, this is the only reason why I gave it a 3. quick cuts (flash frames), zoomsThe subject was interesting, the acting was (what I could watch of it) good. excellent way to introduce financial terms for the layman. The problem was the visual, this is the only reason why I gave it a 3. quick cuts (flash frames), zooms without the camera being in focus of the actor, swish pans, all the rage now but made me feel nauseous. I had to close my eyes throughout most of it. I don't know why directors and producers think this is a good idea. Years ago if a cameraman showed me a tape he or she shot that was shaky, out of focus with fast pans I would fire them on the spot. This is no way to present any visuals. It is a shame no one cares about quality anymore.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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3

Val-835Jan 13, 2016

I have to agree with "half58". What's with the endless quick cuts ? How is that suppose to help telling the story ? Flash, flash, flash most of the time. The actors do what they can but it's a lost cause. Take the other investigative movie,I have to agree with "half58". What's with the endless quick cuts ? How is that suppose to help telling the story ? Flash, flash, flash most of the time. The actors do what they can but it's a lost cause. Take the other investigative movie, Spotlight. What a different style. It goes to show how unnecessary and pointless this razzle dazzle, shaky camera shoot style is. You see it on TV most of the time and is one of the reasons I don't watch TV that much these days. Good story, terrible storytelling.… Expand

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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2

Trev29Jan 24, 2016

A total disaster of a film. It is wildly incoherent, preachy, and just not interesting in the slightest. The characters were not likable, and it wasn't even funny.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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2

will2econdFeb 12, 2016

If you want a movie that keeps your interest, continues to elevate throughout, this is not the movie for you. This movie is unfortunately dull and uninteresting.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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1

TheKavehJDec 26, 2015

To most people, The Big Short is one of the best movies of the year. To me, The Big Short is a long, confusing, and boring film. Delivering only a few laughs, The Big Short is not worth spending a penny to see.

3 of 22 users found this helpful319

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1

TBallJul 12, 2016

This is a film that critics think you should like and convince themselves that they loved. In reality, it comes close to sucking completely. Except for a couple of decent performances, it does suck completely. There is no actual suspenseThis is a film that critics think you should like and convince themselves that they loved. In reality, it comes close to sucking completely. Except for a couple of decent performances, it does suck completely. There is no actual suspense since, like Apollo 13, you already know what happened. The cool dudes who were ahead of the curve are no more honest or decent than those the film is attacking. It takes its outrage out on Wall St.and only peripherally includes how dishonest the Democrats who shamefully and cynically created the sub prime mortgage problem and the bankers (Republicans) who, along with Hillary's buddies, gleefully profited from them. The sound in this movie is horrible, going from an overly loud rap and metal soundtrack to barely audible conversations. If you're watching it at home, keep the remote close. This movie is a smug failure.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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0

truthsabreJan 21, 2016

The fact that so many people have written glaring reviews about this film should be proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Mike Judge's 2006 film "Idiocracy" has become a reality.

This movie is very slow paced (2 1/2 hrs) and it tries toThe fact that so many people have written glaring reviews about this film should be proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Mike Judge's 2006 film "Idiocracy" has become a reality.

This movie is very slow paced (2 1/2 hrs) and it tries to make financial terminology seem "hip" when it is not. I'm interested in finance however, unless you find it completely fascinating most of the terms will go way over your head.

This film has an all-star cast yet, the only one I thought stood out was Brad Pitt - he had a good presence. The rest (especially Steve Carrell) were hardly an afterthought. Christian Bale's performance was so overrated in this movie and it's not like it was grueling role he needed to prepare for psychically (compared to some of his previous great works).

Also, none of the characters go though any significant changes - where they have some powerful life insight. The film is also anti-climatic - when the climax arrives, you hardly know it's there.

There's no scene in this film that stands out in my mind where you''l be like "wow that was memorable" or "wow that's a quotable line"

If you're a person who wants to see an entertaining film, this probably isn't the best choice.
Every time a film gets a ton of "critical acclaim" and there are people who are praising a film they haven't seen yet in order to look sophisticated among their friends - it's a huge red flag that the movie is boring as hell.… Expand

2 of 12 users found this helpful210

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0

FarsheedNov 24, 2016

From many aspects, it had tried to be something like The Wolf of Wall Street, but not successful it had been.
Its characterization was awful. Generally, The Big Short was the worst movie of 2015.

0 of 10 users found this helpful010

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0

thedaarkbattyJan 20, 2017

The rich greedy bankers who destroyed our economy should not be allowed to get away with this. Don't watch this movie to support their agenda!!!!!!!!1

0 of 11 users found this helpful011

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The Big Short

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