The defence The Big-Idea Head
“Form is the argument.”
Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.
Back to trending 
Boiler Room
Crime · Drama · Thriller · 2000
A college dropout gets a job as a broker for a suburban investment firm and is on the fast track to success—but the job might not be as legitimate as it sounds.
Movie details
Boiler Room
“Welcome to the new American dream.”
2000 Crime · Drama · Thriller 1h 59m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
6.7 / 10
Community rating
A college dropout gets a job as a broker for a suburban investment firm and is on the fast track to success—but the job might not be as legitimate as it sounds.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Boiler Room?
For the defence
The Big-Idea Head
“You watch with your brain, not your gut.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
Taste neighbourhood
Nearby on the taste map.
TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.
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Emily the Criminal
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Desperate for income, Emily takes a shady gig buying goods with stolen credit cards supplied by a charismatic middleman named Youcef. Seduced by the quick cash and illicit thrills, they hatch a plan to take their business to the next level.
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Above the Rim
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The Public Eye
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A crime photographer gets involved in a conspiracy.
Uncut Gems
Drama · 2019
A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.
Blood Ties
Thriller · 2013
Two brothers, on either side of the law, face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s.
Margin Call
Thriller · 2011
Set in the high-stakes world of the financial industry, involving the key players at an investment firm during one perilous 24-hour period in the early stages of the 2008 financial crisis. An entry-level analyst unlocks information that could prove to be the downfall of the firm.
Dear Mr. Gacy
Crime · 2010
A chronicle of the interaction between college student Jason Moss and the object of his obsession, serial killer John Wayne Gacy.
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Ben Younger
Written by
Ben Younger
Giovanni Ribisi
Seth Davis
Vin Diesel
Chris Varick
Nia Long
Abbie Halpert
Nicky Katt
Greg Weinstein
Scott Caan
Richie O'Flaherty
Ron Rifkin
Judge Marty Davis
Jamie Kennedy
Adam
Court is in session
Put Boiler Room on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Technique in search of a pulse.”
Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.