By Jason Osiason

Dumb Money

Craig Gillespie’s Dumb Money effectively dramatizes the GameStop short squeeze of 2021, striking a balance between entertainment and a revealing look at financial market turmoil. The film, grounded by Paul Dano’s portrayal of Keith Gill, highlights the disparity between the financial elite and your average investor. Through the chaotic rise and fall of GameStop’s stock, viewers witness the power struggle between hedge funds and retail investors. The rest of the cast delivers for the most part, but Sebastian Stan stands out energetically in a small role-playing Robinhood co-founder that makes you wish the movie was from his point of view. Unlike The Big Short, the film sidesteps a heavy-handed critique of capitalism, benefiting from Gillespie’s adept direction and a charismatic ensemble cast that anchors the screenplay with dynamic energy. However, the film is not without its flaws. It struggles under the weight of numerous characters and seems indecisive in its dramatic and comedic tones. Additionally, its efforts to connect with the pandemic era feel superfluous and redundant, failing to enrich the narrative or contribute significantly to the understanding of the events. [C]

How to Have Sex

How to Have Sex stands out in the landscape of modern youth films with its raw and unflinching look at the party culture that defines a segment of today’s adolescents. The film follows Tara, played by Mia McKenna-Bruce, as she navigates the emotional complexities and social dynamics of her spring break vacation while juggling relationships with two men. It’s a masterful mix of gritty visual poetry and dynamic storytelling, capturing the complex essence of growing up with a rare clarity that’s both exhilarating and sobering.

At the heart of the film is McKenna-Bruce’s transcendent performance that breathes life into her character’s journey with profound authenticity. She adeptly captures the nuances of vulnerability, becoming the narrative’s anchor amidst the tumultuous sea of youthful chaos. So caught up in its brilliant representation of youth partying culture and raw visual poetry, your guard’s as down as its most tragic character. It’s a bold debut from Molly Manning Walker, with a stylistic confidence that elevates the narrative from mere drama to an evocative experience that examines the fleeting joys and trials of youth. How to Have Sex is a major directorial debut that resonates deeply, leaving viewers shaken long after its final scenes. [B+]

Woman of the Hour

Anna Kendrick’s directorial foray with Woman of the Hour is an audacious plunge into the era of the ’70s, marred by the chilling presence of the notorious Rodney Alcala. The film follows Cheryl Bradshaw, a spirited and naive contestant on The Dating Game, who has an unsettling encounter with Alcala, portrayed with eerie charm by Daniel Zovatto, during his appearance on a 1978 episode of the show. Cheryl, played by Anna Kendrick, initially sees the game show as a fun opportunity, unaware of Alcala’s sinister history. As the narrative unfolds, Cheryl’s cheerful demeanor contrasts sharply with the underlying menace, highlighting the era’s gender dynamics. Her film is more than a crime drama; it’s a nuanced tapestry of the era’s gender dynamics, drizzled with a wry humor that cuts through its darker moments. Kendrick’s directorial debut is a masterful play of suspense and subtlety, marrying the narrative’s depth with a cinematographic style that nods to the gritty realism of Barbarian. Despite some narrative overstretching, Kendrick’s adeptness in sustaining atmospheric tension heralds a promising future for her as a filmmaker.[B]

Daddio

Directed by Christy Hall, Daddio is a movie that sneaks up on you with its simple but deep conversations that feel super raw and effective. It’s one long cab fare where two strangers pour their hearts out as the customer, played by Dakota Johnson, begins opening up candidly to her cab driver, whose inquisitive nature, played by Sean Penn, gets the best of him. Hall directs with a deft touch, turning a taxi ride into an engrossing narrative filled with genuine exchanges that cut to the heart of real-life experiences.

The film’s dialogue-rich approach paints an intimate picture of everyday moments, appealing to those who value deep character-led narratives. While its limited setting may diverge from typical cinematic narratives, it boasts rather astonishing visuals within its single setting, thanks to the camera work by Academy Award nominee Phedon Papamichael. It’s a reflective, quietly powerful film that resonates deeply with its portrayal of life’s quiet, impactful interactions. [B-]

Dicks: The Musical

A24 has delivered a wonderfully bizarre musical extravaganza with the Midnight Madness opening night section film, Dicks: The Musical, a film that unexpectedly delights in its riotous and unabashed eccentricity. Craig and Trevor, twins separated at birth and unaware of their shared lineage, discover playfully and unexpectedly their familial bond after a corporate merger brings them together. Seizing the opportunity, they hatch a diabolical plan to reunite their unique, estranged parents. These parents are portrayed with classical comedic affinity by Nathan Lane and Megan Mullally, leading to a succession of amusing absurdist musical adventures. Almost every silly, absurd, and perverse joke and original song landed beautifully. See it with the biggest audience possible.

The film’s unapologetic whimsy and bawdy humor draw parallels to an adult version of The Parent Trap, but flipped on its head with original songs and dance numbers, even featuring the likes of Megan Thee Stallion. It juggles audacious absurdities with sharp, toe-tapping tunes that hit the mark with unexpected precision. Even amidst a few repetitive jokes and a narrative that sometimes wanders, the vivaciousness of the cast, notably the dynamic lead duo and the bold comedic genius of its ensemble cast, offers up a weirdly warm charm. [B]