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5.5/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.5/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. We're in the Money remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, it depends on how much you enjoy that specific brand of 1930s surrealism where objects just start singing for no reason. If you’re a fan of early animation, you’ll probably get a kick out of the weird energy here. If you prefer stories that actually make sense, or if inanimate objects singing about money gives you the creeps, you might want to skip it.
The whole premise is basically: what if toys had a union meeting, but instead of talking, they just performed a musical number? It’s charming, sure, but it’s also kind of bizarre.
There is something inherently slightly unsettling about a department store coming to life after hours. The animation feels like it’s straining to be cheery, but it hits this strange, frantic pace that feels a bit intense.
When the actual money starts joining in the chorus? That was the moment I checked out of the logic of the world. It’s a bold choice, I’ll give them that.
If you're digging into this era of animation, it’s got a totally different rhythm than something like The Cockeyed Family. It’s less focused on the family dynamic and more focused on just letting the screen explode with movement.
It’s a bit like watching a parade where everyone is moving a little too fast. It reminds me of the manic energy in Wet Paint, where everything is just trying to happen at once before the film reel runs out.
It’s not a masterpiece, and it doesn't try to be. It’s just a weird little artifact. Sometimes that’s enough to keep me watching. Just don't expect a deep narrative arc or anything.