The Blog
MS MILLENNIAL MONEY REVIEWS: Dumb Money – Wall Street Gets a Wake-Up Call
By Ms Millennial Money, Sarah Penney
Let’s talk about Dumb Money. While the Wall Street genre may not be Hollywood’s most celebrated, it has its share of gems, from the drug-fuelled ride of The Wolf of Wall Street to the edutainment masterpiece of The Big Short. Now, Dumb Money is here to take its rightful place among these heavyweights.
The GameStop Saga Unleashed
This film chronicles the jaw-dropping true story of the GameStop rally that shook Wall Street in early 2021. Led by Roaring Kitty (Keith Gill) and his signature red bandana, a group of everyday investors united on the subreddit WallStreetBets to buy up GameStop shares, believing they were undervalued. Their efforts ignited a stock price explosion, catching hedge funds off guard—this is the classic David vs. Goliath tale that will leave you proud to be a retail investor.
Dumb Money doesn’t just captivate with its storyline; it digs deeper into how ‘Big Money’ dismisses retail investors as ‘dumb money.’ The film shows the tables turning when the little folks challenge the status quo, demonstrating the power of a collective, and how retail can create chaos in the market. The underdogs flip the script and gain the respect they’ve long been denied, even if that respect is still a work in progress.
The Digital Factor
Many think they know the GameStop story, but this film sheds new light on how social media has transformed the investing landscape, showcasing the influence of digital communities. Unlike past Wall Street blockbusters, Dumb Money effectively illustrates this new reality, highlighting how the collective efforts of millennials and Gen Z investors are disrupting the traditional financial hierarchy.
Who Are You Calling Dumb Money?
At its core, Dumb Money poses a critical question: ‘Who are you calling dumb money?’ This challenges the arrogance of Wall Street elites and underscores the real power retail investors can wield. The film emphasises that, following the GameStop rally, hedge funds are now watching retail traders more closely, fully aware that ignoring ‘dumb money’ can lead to disastrous consequences.
Beats That Hit Home
Before wrapping up the review, I have to mention the soundtrack. Featuring tracks from Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj, it transported me back to the glimmers of fun in the pandemic era. It’s back to back early 2020s rap and hip-hop bangers!
Retail Investors, Rise!
Dumb Money isn’t just a great film; it’s a powerful reminder that retail investors have a voice that matters. It encourages all of us to stay engaged with our portfolios while signalling to companies that they need to pay attention to the retail crowd.
If you want a film that’s entertaining, enlightening, and downright inspiring, check out Dumb Money. It brilliantly captures a historic moment when everyday people stood up to Wall Street giants and changed the game forever.
Available on Prime and on Netflix with a US VPN.