What’s it About?
Based on the true story of Jordan Belfort, from his rise to a wealthy stockbroker living the high life to his fall involving crime, corruption and the federal government.
“The Wolf of Wall Street”
Directed by Martin Scorsese
9 out of 10
I always hoped and prayed that one day there would be a movie character that could find a way to snort more cocaine through the course of a film than Tony Montana in “Scarface.” Well, my dream has finally come true. Tony Montana, meet Jordan Belfort. Here’s a guy that can not only snort more cocaine than you but can find a way drink more, swallow more pills, piss off law enforcement just as much, bang hookers, and make more money while doing it.
It would be easy to dismiss “The Wolf of Wall Street” as another Scorsese rise and fall story. We’ve seen these types of films countless times: Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Scarface, Casino, Boogie Nights, etc. Our anti-hero starts small, grows an empire, gets cocky, loses it, and picks up the pieces to try to start again. The problem in generalizing like that is you would miss what makes Wolf so special. The acting, characters, and flawless direction form Martin Scorsese are so on point that we are giving a bevy of film-making riches that could easily fill up 5 lesser films.
There are standout performances throughout but both Jonah Hill and Leonardo Di Caprio deliver Oscar worthy turns. Di Caprio has distinguished himself as one the great acting talents of his generation. His confidence throughout this picture is staggering. He floats from one brilliant scene to another commanding the entire movie in a way that few talents before him ever could. I never liked his character. He’s a conniving self-centered douche. But, he’s always interesting. Jonah Hill is almost as brilliant and his turn towards dramatic roles has been a welcome surprise. He’s fantastic and adds a lot of the film’s irreverent humor.
The main standout in any Scorsese film is his direction and Wolf is no exception. In a world populated with characters who are on the very thin line between sanity and insanity while high on cocaine, his camerawork and flow matches their mood and intensity. You never understand why they choose this life but you’ll experience how they feel after their choice is made. All of those complaining about the redundancy of the “Rise and Fall” bio pics need to take a deep breath and appreciate when a once in a generation director proves that he hasn’t lost a step and graces us with a film of pure adrenaline.
VIC'S MOVIE DEN 
I agree with everything said here. Good review/recommendation.
Glad you liked the review! I can’t wait to see this one. I love Scorcese’s films. Thanks for stopping in!
While it’s a long flick, I have to say that I never lost the grin from my face for a single second. Not even in its darkest, most morally-questionable moments. Good review Brian.
Thanks for stopping in, Dan! I am so stoked for this movie. I haven’t seen it yet. I’m glad you enjoyed the movie and the review!
Good review. I enjoy rise and fall bio pics especially when they are as exhilarating and funny as Wolf. I totally agree Dicaprio is one of the greats of his generation and Jonah Hill is really good too in this movie.
Nice review. 🙂 So want to see this when it’s out in the UK in a couple weeks.
Glad you liked the review! I hope you like the movie when it gets to the UK. I haven’t seen it myself yet but after reading Brian’s review, I am so stoked, now!
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Man, Vic. That’s one hell of an endorsement. Looking forward to watching it now.
I hope to get to it myself very soon. Brian loved the hell out of this one. Let me know if you liked it! Thanks for stopping by, Bill. Have a great weekend!
You, too, Vic. I’m hunkered down in Pennsylvania due to tons of snow and bitter cold. Time for coffee and movies…
We got slammed here in Rochester, NY, too. 22 inches total. I had to go out in this mess yesterday, with my wife. Be safe if you have to go out, man.
I’ve had my coffee, already, and I am also going to hunker down and catch up on some flicks. I just picked up Spielberg’s “Duel,” so, I’ll be watching that right away! 🙂
We got 8 to 10 with snow drifts. Can’t believe you had to go out! Stay home, be warm, and freak out over the disturbing “Duel.” That was one of the greatest “movies of the week” of all time!
Great review, it sure looks like one crazy movie.
I think it has that frenetic pace and editing that he is known for. I can’t wait to see this one myself. Thanks for stopping by!
Great stuff my friend! Really looking forward to seeing this when it’s out over here.
cant wait to see this. Great review
Glad you liked it. I am pretty stoked to see this one, too. Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated!