I've only managed one cinema trip this week, to see Dumb Money, which is based on the true story of GameStop which dominated the headlines for a few weeks during the Covid pandemic in 2021.
In short, GameStop is an old school American high street store that sells video games, consoles, and associated gaming accessories. A bit like the Blockbuster Video of the game console world. The social media site Reddit, and specially the "wallstreetbets" group, fuelled a buying frenzy in GameStop stock which sent their share price through the roof.
This grassroots revolution cost some eye-wateringly rich folk a lot of money (at one point, they lost a billion a day), as they had hedged their bets on the company failing and going to the wall as a result of lockdown. Although they had managed to stay open during the pandemic on a flimsy premise, they just weren't getting the customers through the door. Therefore, the spike in their share price caused many jaws to fall to the floor.
A fair few on Reddit saw their actions as revenge against those who got rich during the 2008 financial crash. Others just saw an opportunity to make some money and get themselves out of a whole lot of debt. This film has some really good characters who you end up rooting for (Ugly Betty star America Ferrera stands out as an indebted, hard-working nurse, as does the always amusing Pete Davidson). It should be said too that Paul Dano absolutely excels as "Roaring Kitty", the unassuming internet pundit who sinks his life savings into GameStop and goes from zero to hero. He's a dad, he's a nerd, but the comments during his live broadcasts quickly turn from keyboard warrior insults to hero worship as his viewers see the value of their investment soar.
It might sound on paper like a dull subject for a movie, but this is smart, well written, and really enjoyable. I also understand a bit more about shares and hedge funds now, but won't be sinking my life savings into the final Blockbuster Video store in America just yet.
Also this week, I watched the first episode of The Continental, which is set in 1970s New York, and has a killer soul and disco soundtrack, including a particularly gory scene which plays out to "Yes Sir I Can Boogie" by Baccara. Fans of the John Wick films will find much to enjoy here, as we delve into the hotel manager Winston's back story. There are some decent action sequences, and it's all quite stylishly done, but I'm not convinced Mel Gibson adds much to proceedings.
The plot, for what it's worth, revolves around a coin press which Winston's estranged brother Frankie audaciously steals on New Year's Eve in a bid to make his own currency, but soon he realises you don't mess with the High Table. In all honesty, you don't watch this stuff for the intricate plot details. You watch for the car chases, the shoot-outs, and the corny dialogue. All are present here. New episodes are released this Friday and next.
