The Big Short: Adam McKay manages to make a film that smartly presents the intricacies of its subject matter while it’s also very funny and entertaining (the smart breaking of the fourth wall is a big element for both of those); it’s also a cautionary tale of sorts, even if with a large degree of cynicism. McKay and Charles Randolph’s adaptation works rather well and has great dialogue to boot. Hank Corwin’s editing is also an important piece, giving the whole a slick and nimble pace. The large cast is very game and efficient; Steve Carell is particularly good, as is Christian Bale, but there are no weak links.