The Wolf of Wall Street reviewed

Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures

     I have never seen a movie as disdainful as The Wolf of Wall Street.  With that out of the way, make no mistake that this movie shines for its entire 180 minute running time.  The manner in which Scorsese treats Jordan Belfort's life of excess is nothing short of masterful.  Rarely do I find myself cheering for the antihero in a film the way I was here.

     Let me be up front for any of you considering seeing this movie.  If you have any strong sensibilities surrounding good, clean, family-oriented values and are built of a strong moral fiber, then DO NOT go see The Wolf of Wall Street.  This movie will offend you, disgust you, and make you feel filthy inside.  Also, this movie is rated 'R' and it is NOT ACCEPTABLE to take anyone under the age of 18 to see this.  Sure, lots of times you hear or see or know some 14-17 year olds going to 'R' movies, and maybe sometimes that is okay depending on what they are.  THIS IS NOT ONE OF THOSE TIMES.  Be a responsible parent.  Teens aren't Scorsese's audience for this movie anyhow.

     So, who is the audience then?  Well, I'd wager anyone not easily offended--which means you are okay with an excessive amount of vulgarity, drug use, nudity, sex, more drug use, more nudity, more vulgarity, cheering for thieves, liars, and cheaters, and laughing at other's misfortune.  I think if you lived through the 70's and 80's and/or can relate to the excess of the yuppie lifestyle, if you are familiar with Gordon Gecko, Kenneth Lay, Jeffrey Skilling, or have watched Boiler Room (2000), that probably works, too.

     On to the good stuff (I will try to limit spoilers): Cameos/ small parts by Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey, Jon Favreau, Joanna Lumley (Absolutely Fabulous), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), and an insanely slimmed-down Ethan Suplee all brought their remarkable talent to this game and Scorsese wove their roles into the film in a complimentary way within every scene's action and dialogue they appear.

     This movie is laugh-out-loud funny for probably close to two-thirds of the 180 minutes (again, as long as you are the intended audience).  Not only does DiCaprio and Hill work their accents through the movie, but deliver their lines with gusto.  Some of the physical humor they are called to perform is handled perfectly and the entire theater was in stitches.

     Strong writing, passionate acting, and Scorsese's direction allow the audience to experience the fiasco that was stockbroker Jordan Belfort's drug-fueled, hooker-filled, life-destroying ride for a decade on Wall Street.

     The score and soundtrack are all over the place as we progress through Belfort's years and transitional moments, never over-shadowing or forcing the scene or emotion on the audience, but offering a seamless addition to what we are witnessing on-screen.

Go see it.  Just remember what you are getting yourself into.  I'm giving it:     9.4 out of 10