Friday, December 27, 2013

THE WOLF OF WALL STREET (B+)


Bottom Line: Martin Scorsese movies are assured, measured, finely-tuned and focused.  They’re marathons of multi-layered, entertaining endurance.  What makes THE WOLF OF WALL STREET unique is that, for the first time and at 71 years of age, he’s decided to run 40-yard wind sprints for the better part of three hours…  It’s time to party with Marty – and in doing so, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powder keg performance – possibly the best of his career thus far.  Expect to love or hate this darkly comedic, cynically abrasive, maddeningly energetic and vulgarly narcissistic look at the financial center of the universe – it’s offensive, vulgar and populated by some of the slimiest humans you’re likely to cinematically meet this year.  The film itself is a Quaalude-infused, over-long orgy of obnoxiously linked delights.  It may sound like I’m knocking it but, good or bad, this movie’s stench will stick with ya’…  It’s a well-crafted, occasionally disjointed, bat sh*t crazy and unevenly layered tale of the intoxicating power of greed.  It’s most definitely not the white-collared GOODFELLAS some critics are claiming, but its over-the-top, out-of-control and very hard to forget…
 
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie, Jean Dujardin and Kyle Chandler
Directed by: Martin Scorsese (HUGO, THE DEPARTED, GOODFELLAS and CASINO)
Rated: R
Running time: 179 minutes
Story: Martin Scorsese reteams with Leonardo DiCaprio on this adaptation of Jordan Belfort's memoir surrounding his indulgent ride as a crooked banker made headlines in the 1990's. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
 

4 comments:

Dan O. said...

It may be long, but it never lost me for a single second. Always had fun, always expected something cool to happen and best of all, always knew that no matter what task he was called on to do, Leo would not disappoint. Good review Brian.

BRTaibl said...

Much appreciated, Dan - and totally agree...NEVER boring.

gman said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
gman said...

I'm usually in the tank for Scorsese. I guess I'm one of those who admired, but didn't love.

Leo showed off his comic timing especially in the one scene that will always stick with me. The too many ludes at the country club set piece was terrific.

I am not above cheering for bad guys, but I didn't like them enough to want to spend almost three hours.