Margin Call (2011):

Starring:

Kevin Spacey - Sam Rogers

Paul Bettany - Will Emerson

Jeremy Irons - John Tuld

Zachary Quinto - Peter Sullivan

Penn Badgley - Seth Bregman

Simon Baker - Jared Cohen

Mary McDonnell - Mary Rogers

Demi Moore - Sarah Robertson

Stanley Tucci - Eric Dale

Aasif Mandvi - Ramesh Shah

Ashley Williams - Heather Burke

Director:

J.C. Chandor (First Feature Film)

Rotten Tomatoes: 89%

Flixster: 74%

Synopsis:

Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, "Margin Call" is a thriller entangling the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. When entry-level analyst Peter Sullivan unlocks information that could prove to be the downfall of the firm, a roller-coaster ride ensues as decisions both financial and moral catapult the lives of all involved to the brink of disaster. Expanding the parameters of genre, "Margin Call" is a riveting examination of the human components of a subject too often relegated to partisan issues of black and white.

Review:

A film overflowing with incredible actors & talent from both the old school & some new rising talent. This film features two my absolute top 10 favourite actors in Jeremy Irons & Kevin Spacey. Over the years I have loved every single role that they have brought to the screen. It also features two actors who I feel are incredibly underrated & over looked as some of Hollywood's best, Stanley Tucci & Paul Bettany. Sure maybe Bettany hasn't chosen the best roles (ie Priest, which I will review in the coming weeks) but that doesn't mean his other roles aren't incredible. Both He & Tucci have incredible range with the ability to play both dramatic & comedic roles perfectly. The genre of film might not be attractive to everyone because you have to figure it is going to be slow moving, full of dialogue that might be over your head & no comedic relief. We'll it is partial right but for the most part nothing like that. Sure it has nothing but board room conversations, meetings & the occasional dramatic pause. But on the whole it has a very followable plot with great dramatic performances showing the battle between what is right & what is wrong in the world of finance & stock trading. Zachary Quinto (of Heroes & Star Trek fame) is very convincing as an MIT graduate with a degree in rocket science. The entire cast delivers an emotional journey based on true events leading up to the financial crisis of 2008.

64%

Lead Acting: 13/15
Supporting Cast: 12/15

Plot: 8/10
Compared To The Genre: 8/10

Cinematography: 13/20

Intrigue: 12/20

Extra: 8/10