Explaining the 2008 financial crisis to people can be daunting – the intentionally confusing nature of the entire situation is what kept it from being fully understood by the public at large. Director Adam McKay recognized there was a gap in telling this story and crafted an easy-to-digest, compelling film that is among the best of the year. With stellar performances throughout, the kinetic presentation and editing are the real stars. While at times The Big Short can seem a bit pandering and condescending – I wasn’t a fan of the Margot Robbie and Anthony Bourdain bits – it succeeds where so many have failed: it painted Wall Street as a collection of degenerate gamblers whose toxic mentality trickled down into every institution we hold dear. Bravo Mr. McKay.