Review: The Wolf of Wall Street

Release date: December 25, 2013

Running time: 180 minutes

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Matthew McConaughey, Kyle Chandler
Who to see it with: A Scorsese fan, or someone who likes over the top situations

David:

The Wolf of Wall Street is Scorsese’s debaucherous announcement that he is still at the top of the filmmaking game. It tells the story of millionaire Wall Street investor Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) who created a stock brokerage firm, Stratton Oakmont, that quickly rose to be a multi-million dollar Wall Street player. The firm started earning Belfort millions overnight and he spent that money quickly and lavishly on insane outings and office events. As crazy as this sounds, the movie is actually based on Belfort's book and appears to be a somewhat accurate retelling of his story (assuming you believe his own account). 

For this film, Scorsese reunites with his movie staple Leonardo DiCaprio who masterfully portrays a complicated character. Belfort was an amazing salesman, inspiring corporate leader, and ruthless stock broker. DiCaprio’s portrayal is stunning, with a wonderful take on this complicated, and consistently intoxicated, person. His performance is inspired, ridiculous, and amazing. Joining him is Jonah Hill, who I usually find annoying, but is perfect as Belfort's right-hand man Seth. Like DiCaprio, he is required to be consistently intoxicated and over-the-top and answers the call every time.

The movie is not without it’s flaws. It’s a LONG film--the runtime is about 3 hours--but I honestly didn’t notice the length as I was watching it. Additionally, the story is pretty absurd, but on a quick read it appears to be a fairly accurate portrayal of what happened (depending on who you ask of course, Seth apparently disputes some of the events). Finally, for a movie featuring this much debauchery, there is a good amount of nudity, sex, and drug use. If that’s not your thing, this isn’t the movie for you. But for those of you that would like to see Scorsese at his best, buy some stock in The Wolf of Wall Street. The movie is one of the year’s best, has style, drama, and debauchery, and is something that should not be short sold.

Watch it.

What to Watch This Weekend: Holiday Edition

There really aren't many DVD releases this week, so use the time to either head to the theaters to see Wolf of Wall Street or stay in and enjoy some great streaming options.

In Theaters: Wolf of Wall Street

Martin Scorsese's latest Leonardo DiCaprio film is an over-the-top debaucherous look at someone who made millions on Wall Street overnight and spent it equally as fast. It's a long movie, but DiCarprio's great acting and the crazy story make it a great movie to check out (just keep in mind it has a lot of objectionable content, might not be a family movie). 

Streaming (Netflix): The Nightmare Before Christmas

Tim Burton's classic stop motion animated film is a Christmas (and Halloween) classic and available for free streaming through Netflix. The style of animation is great and it has plenty of great moments and memorable songs.

Netflix Link

Streaming (Amazon Prime, Netflix): National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

Another Christmas classic, this film follows the Griswold family as their plans for a big family Christmas predictably turn into a big disaster. The night goes from bad to worse, but thankfully they keep the spirit of the season alive.

Amazon Link
Netflix Link

Streaming (Amazon): Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

On Christmas Eve during world War I, the Germans, French, and Scottish fraternize and get to know the men who live on the opposite side of a brutal war, in what became a true lesson of humanity.

Amazon Link