The all-star cast is in top form for this seriocomic take on the worldwide financial collapse, and the few Wall Streeters who actually bet that it would occur.

Writer-director Adam McKay adapts Michael Lewis's bestseller into one of the year's best scripts, with his first foray into dramatic territory as a filmmaker. Christian Bale and Steve Carell deliver stand-out turns, making even the hedge fund managers they play sympathetic.

At times, the editing feels a bit too intentional, using a slew of techniques from scenes freezing into narrated still shots, to briskly cut music montages. Ultimately, the casting wins the day as each A-list actor, also including Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling, gets to play against type in this unconventional everyman's blockbuster.

Final Grade: B+ | 87/100 | ★★★