Review of Margin Call (2011) by Matt P — 02 Mar 2012

I'm kind of on the fence with this one. Yes, it's got some smart writing (up and coming writer/director JC Chandor was nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay), but it almost feels as though it's blaming the 2008 financial crisis solely on one greedy institution - when anyone with any sense knows that it's much more than that, and deeply involves the federal government.

Regardless, it feels pretty authentic; throwing numbers, lingo, and general human nature at the viewer with gusto. Plus, it's got a multifaceted cast including Kevin Spacey (The Men Who Stare at Goats), Paul Bettany (Priest), Zachary Quinto (What's Your Number?), Penn Badgley (Easy A), Simon Baker ("The Mentalist"), Demi Moore (The Joneses), Stanley Tucci (Shall We Dance), and the incomparable Jeremy Irons (Appaloosa).

All the actors bring their own flare to their characters, but each of them is believable, and many of them quite despicably so. Chandor got the most out of his talented cast, and makes the most out of his somewhat unique script.

It's still got the clichés that you might expect from a Wall Street flick, but it's done so in a way that remains somewhat apolitical, which is fairly refreshing. Still, if you're not committed to the fast pace, you'll likely find it a talky fare that's not very entertaining.