Review: The Wolf of Wall Street
Hey, what does this coke smell like?
Don't let this film's hefty 3 hour run time scare you away. If anyone can make a 3 hour comedy work, it's writer Terance Winter and director Martin Scorsese. Yes, you read that right.
Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an ambitious young stock broker who after making decent money with a firm that abruptly closes, decides to turn his attention to penny stocks instead. You see, he gets 50% commission off of those, and soon he's assembled some of his friends, Donnie, (Jonah Hill) Nicky, (P.J Byrne) Robbie, (Bryan Sacca) and Alden (Henry Zebrowski) and teaches them his sales approach. Soon, they've turned a shady operation from an auto garage into a massive multi-million dollar company that loves spending its money on hookers and drugs. And no, none of this is very legal. Soon Jordan finds himself under the eyes of FBI agent Denham. (Kyle Chandler, the film's sole weak link.)
When you think of Scorsese, and even Winter for that matter, you don't normally think of comedy. I think John LaRue over at The Droid Your Looking For but it best: "It’s as if Scorsese saw a few Judd Apatow movies and said, “That’s all you’ve got? Watch this” and then dropped an epic 3-hour Judd Apatow movie on everyone." The film is outrageous and contains probably one of the best performances Leonardo DiCaprio has ever given, and that says a lot. This role feels like it's out of his comfort zone so to speak, but he nails it. The entire cast, minus the terribly bland Kyle Chandler are amazing. (tip: I got over Chandler's boring-ness by just pretending he was Ron Livingston from Boardwalk Empire season 4.)
You could argue that the film is a little misogynistic, there's tits and hookers galore, but I thought it worked in a way. To me, it's not hard to believe that people with this much money (and drugs) could act in such a way. I appreciated the final 1/3 of the film too. That's where it takes it's dramatic turn, and it's welcomed because up until then, I was actually kind of enjoying Jordan's antics and almost forgot that this guy really is a total sleazebag.
Needless to say, there was a point in The Wolf of Wall Street where I laughed so hard I nearly had tears in my eyes. This film quickly because one of the best I've seen all year.
Recommended: Yes
Grade: A+
Memorable Quote: "Stand aside, hunnie!" - Jordan (Leonard DiCaprio)
i honestly don't mind misogyny in films because misogyny exists in the world and we shouldn't just ignore it. i'm actually starting to get hyped for this film, and i wasn't before.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very good point. I hope it lives up to the hype for you, I think it's my favorite of the year.
DeleteI really need this in my life right now. Your review has me so excited for this!
ReplyDeleteI hope it lives up to the hype for you!
DeleteI'll just put it out there...I skimmed, but I read enough to know that I have to see this. Immediately.
ReplyDeleteAaaaaaaagh. can't wait!
You read the part about tits, didn't you? lol
DeleteGood review Brittani. I had a great time with this movie, despite it being a lot longer than it maybe should have been and not going any deeper into these characters than it needed to.
ReplyDeleteI could see that, but I think I was to busy laughing at the damn "cerebral palsy phase" scene.
DeleteGreat review Brittani... this is as of right now, my favorite film of 2013 so far. It's so wild and so fun. I wish it was longer.
ReplyDeleteRight? I could handle longer as well.
DeleteGreat review! It sounds like this is worth seeing for DiCaprio alone.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is. It's worth seeing for Jonah Hill alone too.
DeleteDamn I really cannot wait to see it now. After Hustle which disappointed me and didn't make me laugh out loud I kinda think DiCaprio losing his shit won't let me down.
ReplyDeleteI think you'll love it, it's so ridiculous. In fact, there's one scene involving Popeye that I think you will really dig. I can't stop thinking about it.
DeleteHoly shiiiiit, I can't wait to see it! "Outrageous" is just the word I wanted to hear describing this one. Very–very hyped. Great review, Brittani!!
ReplyDelete'Outrageous' is putting it lightly at some points.
DeleteA+: awesome! I too liked how the film switched to a more dramatic tone. It was important to remind us that Jordan wasn't a good guy.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. I agree 100%
DeleteNice review! I love this film so much. Can't wait to see it again! :)
ReplyDeleteMe either!
DeleteHustle was a bit of a disappointment, but I'm so excited for this. it comes out in the UK next week!
ReplyDeleteI loved Hustle, but I like this one more. I hop you enjoy it too!
DeleteScorsese and DiCaprio are back in the craziest and best movie of the year!!! I really loved it because it was so honest and it had no limits and that's he way this film should be. I think DiCaprio gives his best performance in this film and that means a lot because I think he is one of the best actors of this century.
ReplyDelete