Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspiring but formulaic underdog comedy has bad language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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Bank of Dave
What's the Story?
Set in the northwest of England, BANK OF DAVE tells the story of local man Dave Fishwick (Rory Kinnear), a self-made millionaire who gives back to the community where he can. When he sees the financial struggles of the people around him he decides to take on the fat cats and create his own bank, which would lend to those who really need it, and give back to the local area. But can one man really challenge the status quo? And will the suits who hold the power ever allow such radical change?
Is It Any Good?
From the director of Fisherman's Friends (Chris Foggin), this is a decidedly British affair that ticks all the right boxes for feel-good fun. The true story behind Bank of Dave is somewhat embellished here -- adding a dramatic court case and even a Def Leppard concert -- but the good intentions and strong heart remain front and center. Kinnear is impressive in the lead role as a northern man who has worked his way up in his own business to become a self-made millionaire, giving back to those around him as he goes. He's warm and likable, but he's no fool, and Kinnear's borderline cockiness makes Dave more three-dimensional and believable than the wide-eyed, big-hearted local that could have made his way to the screen. Joel Fry is equally likable as the London lawyer forced "up north," who has his eyes and heart opened to a different perspective along the way. It's cheesy, for sure, and the structure is formulaic -- the north-south divide laid bare in an anti-banker, pro-everyman narrative -- but it's enjoyable nonetheless, and its questioning of the financial system remains a timely theme.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the biographical nature of Bank of Dave. The film describes it at the start as a "true(ish)" story. How do you feel about mixing fact and fiction in movies? Is it clear what is based on real-life events and what is not? How did it compare to other movies that embellish a true story?
Dave showed courage, integrity, and perseverance. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times you've shown these qualities in real life?
Discuss the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the film?
The movie is an underdog story. Can you think of other films that show someone taking on powers or forces that seem much stronger than them? How do they compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 25, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : August 25, 2023
- Cast : Rory Kinnear , Joel Fry , Phoebe Dynevor
- Director : Chris Foggin
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some strong language
- Last updated : March 7, 2026
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