Director/writer Adam McKay won an Oscar for best adapted screenplay for "The Big Short" (R, Paramount), his quirky take on the run-up to the 2008 financial collapse.
The always-brilliant Christian Bale is terrific as a doctor-turned-eccentric hedge fund manager. Not only is the all-star ensemble cast (Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Steve Carell) strong but there are hilarious, mood-shattering explanations of economics from Margot Robbie, Anthony Bourdain and Selena Gomez.
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Variety
World
Repatriated South African apartheid-era artworks on display to celebrate 30 years of democracy
A selection of South African artworks produced during the country's apartheid era which ended up in foreign art collections is on display in Johannesburg to mark 30 years since the country's transition to democracy in 1994.
World
'There's Still Tomorrow' director Paola Cortellesi talks success, toxic relationships and hope
Actor Paola Cortellesi has long been a staple on the Italian pop culture scene, mostly known for her work as a comedian. Then she turned to directing and her first feature movie, ''There's Still Tomorrow,'' took Italy by storm.
Nation
A look at past and future cases Harvey Weinstein has faced as his New York conviction is thrown out
Harvey Weinstein's landmark New York sexual assault conviction was thrown out by an appeals court Thursday, and most of the dozens of civil cases filed against him since he became a central target in the #MeToo movement in 2017 have either been settled or dismissed.
World
Ukrainian duo heads to the Eurovision Song Contest with a message: We're still here
Even amid war, Ukraine finds time for the glittery, pop-filled Eurovision Song Contest. Perhaps now even more than ever.
Business
Journalists critical of their own companies cause headaches for news organizations
This spring, NBC News, The New York Times and National Public Radio have each dealt with turmoil for essentially the same reason: journalists taking the critical gaze they deploy to cover the world and turning it inward at their own employers.