Name: Bankrolled
Genre: Comedy
Released: 2021-07-23T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ricardo Polanco, Aldo Escalante, Natalia Téllez, Fabrizio Santini, Seo Ju Park

The opening scene of “Bankrolled” is a perfect microcosm of the film’s entire premise: two directionless millennials, Blas and Polo, drunk and high, stumble through a ridiculous pitch for an app they don’t actually have. It’s a moment that should be hilarious, but Marcos Bucay’s comedy fails to capitalize on its potential.

The film follows Blas (Ricardo Polanco) and Polo (Aldo Escalante), who accidentally raise millions of dollars through a crowdfunding site after posting their drunken pitch video. The satire is clear—the hype-driven world of tech startups and crowdfunding is ripe for mockery—but “Bankrolled” struggles to find its comedic footing.

The performances from Polanco and Escalante are the film’s saving grace. They embody the aimlessness and desperation of their characters with a certain charm, even if their antics often fall flat. Natalia Téllez as Natalia provides some much-needed ground, offering a voice of reason amidst the chaos. However, the supporting cast, including Fabrizio Santini and Seo Ju Park, are mostly one-note caricatures that fail to elevate the material.

Bucay’s direction is competent but uninspired. The film’s pacing is uneven, with moments of potential humor dragged out too long or cut short before they can land. The cinematography is serviceable, but there are few standout visual moments. The sound design and score do little to enhance the comedy or tension, often feeling generic.

The film’s strongest asset is its critique of the tech startup culture. The absurdity of Blas and Polo’s situation highlights the ridiculousness of investors throwing money at unproven ideas based on nothing more than a charismatic pitch. However, this thematic depth is undermined by the lack of genuine laughs or engaging storytelling.

“Bankrolled” is a missed opportunity. With its premise and central performances, it had the potential to be a sharp, hilarious satire.