Margin Call

2.5 Paws
Seen recently at the Dundee Theatre (still musty, still open)

I don't know 'nothin 'bout investment banks. I do know a good little movie when I see one, and Margin Call - a thriller that examines the actions of one such outfit's chain of command during the early stages of the country's latest financial meltdown - is on the mark.

The film's 107 minutes is packed with gem performances - Stanley Tucci, Paul Bettany, Jeremy Irons and even Zachary Quinto (the new Spock) - think Glengarry Glen Ross in a high stakes Wall Street investment bank setting.

The scene stealer, though, is Kevin Spacey as the good guy who knows better but (spoiler alert) bends to the will of the evil magnate because, well, it's easier on his wallet. Spacey seems to have turned into Gene Hackman overnight - his look, his ability to convey a lot without doing a lot. It reminds me that it's time to watch Hoosiers again.

Bonus Bones: 5
Get ready - Ella is a heartbreaker.