The Big Short hits cinemas this weekend, amidst a flurry of Oscar nominations.
The A-list cast is only one of the reasons to see this film, though.
Who would have thought a movie about the global financial crisis could be so very watchable, especially one from the guy who directed Step Brothers?
But not only is The Big Short watchable, it's up for five Oscars and worthy of each nomination.
This is a true story; these characters are based on real people, and they are a motley fascinating crew indeed. Each of them has two things in common – a healthy disrespect for the establishment, and an even healthier love of making money.
Wall St is the perfect place for them, and amidst the gross indecencies and deceptions leading up to the massive 2008 market meltdown, they become unlikely heroes.
Based on bestseller from Michael Lewis, The Big Short manages to dumb down financial mumbo jumbo into mainstream multiplex speak, and the story it tells and the people who tell it are just fascinating.
Smart, funny, scary, ingeniously populated and a rollicking good time, The Big Short was such a left-field bolt from the blue and an enormously entertaining few hours in the cinema. This very true story is also worthy of a repeat watch, and not just for the great cast.
Four-and-half-stars.
3 News
The Big Short:: Director: Adam McKay :: Starring: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Melissa Leo, Tracy Letts, Finn Wittrock, Hamish Linklater:: Rating: M - Offensive language and nudity:: Running Time: 131 minutes:: Release Date: In cinemas now
