The Big Short

A tall order.

When I look at the best films of 2015, I realize that Brooklyn had my heart Spotlight had my head and The Big Short got about everything else.

To put it shortly: It’s one my top five favorites of the past year. (Two thrillers, Bridge of Spies and Jurassic World, round out that list.)

It’s an impressive feat. Not only is this a film focused on the details of the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s but also it’s a tragic film from Adam McKay, a director known only for comedy. You may know his films: Step Brothers, Anchorman, Anchorman 2 and Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby.

The Big Short is a timely morality tale that explores the implications of opportunity and fraud, yet somehow it’s loads of fun. Hollywood: 1 Wall Street: 0.

Simply put: It’s a big, ambitious film that delivers.

Award potential: Expect Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Screenplay, Editing and more. Christian Bale has the edge as the stand out to grab a Supporting Actor nod. Expect the full cast to battle Spotlight for SAG’s ensemble award.

Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin’s screenplay for author Michael Lewis’ Moneyball found more brilliant ways to explain tough subjects, but Charles Randolph and Adam McKay’s take on Michael Lewis’ The Big Short was hilarious. It will be the front runner for Best Adapted Screenplay.

The ten buck review: Worth ten bucks