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Buffaloed Review

By Matthew Passantino

Money Problems

It's easy - and becoming a bit lazy, admittedly - to compare any movie centered around finances to "The Big Short," but with Tanya Wexler's "Buffaloed," it's a bit inevitable. Minus the heaps of condescension, Wexler's movie operates with some of the same stylistic and narrative choices "The Big Short" did, like our protagonist narrating and breaking the fourth wall. It feels gimmicky, and sometimes stalls momentum, but the central performance in "Buffaloed" keeps things moving along at a propulsive clip.

Zoey Deutch is an effortlessly charismatic star, who has navigated studio movies and independent features with such ease. Some of her work would suggest she can only play light and bubbly, but her work in "Flower" and now "Buffaloed" demonstrates an actor who is interested in taking risks and playing deeply flawed characters. It seems like Deutch should be one of the biggest stars working today but she hasn't quite ascended to that status. But with every movie she makes, it feels like it's only a matter of time.

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Deutch plays Peg, who has had an aptitude for money and finances since she was a young girl. When she is accepted to a prestigious college, she must devise a plan to make enough money to pay for classes. Her mom, Kathy (Judy Greer), can't help and is barely getting by doing hair out of their house. Peg starts counterfeiting Buffalo Bills tickets to make money, which lands her in jail, but as soon as she is released, she is ready to start making money by any means necessary. She begins working for Wizz (Jai Courtney), a slimeball debt collector, who she quickly leaves to start her own company. This starts a war with Wizz, which Peg wasn't fully prepared to fight.

Peg doesn't always make good decisions, but she is smart, even when doing something bad or illegal. She is fiercely focused on making money and it's to Deutch's credit that we are drawn into Peg's dilemmas, even when Brian Sacca's screenplay gets a bit carried away. Peg's constant battle with Wizz gives "Buffaloed" a bit of a repetitive feel but Deutch's performance dares you to even look away.

"Buffaloed," despite some script shortcomings, has enough forward momentum to make for an entertaining watch. It doesn't have anything grand on its mind, even when Peg is spouting financial facts, but operates as a vehicle for Deutch to shine. Her energy and wide-eyed dedication prove, once again, Deutch is one of the great actors working today.

What did you think?

Movie title Buffaloed
Release year 2020
MPAA Rating NR
Our rating
Summary This tale of a young hustler is a great star vehicle for Zoey Deutch.
View all articles by Matthew Passantino
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