The Wolf of Wall Street

So this week for me saw the reuniting of Scorsese and Di Caprio in a film that I was ridiculously excited for. With it being the height of Oscar season this was the one that I thought looked as though it’d be the most entertaining. However in the build up to finally seeing it some of the reviews around sprouted some doubt in my mind. Many people saying that it’s lead character was too hard to sympathise with and the film was too long.

I, however, had no problem with either of these factors. While Jordan Belfort (Di Caprio) is an entirely unlikable character I think the movie does well to make him appear as a casualty of the American Dream, someone who’s insatiable need for material things and lust for women provides him with a quick fix of happiness but it’s not long before it all comes crashing down around him. In many ways it isn’t entirely his fault, it’s the consumerist ideals of the Wall Street mob and he just figured out how to be on top of the game. I don’t think its correct to say that the film glamourises his lifestyle either much of the humour comes from just how ridiculous his life, and for me it was more a laughing at than a laughing with. The Wolf of Wall Street is one of the funniest, most entertaining films I’ve seen in ages, the performances from everyone are absolutely top notch. Jonah Hill is stupidly hilarious as is Di Caprio, something I’ve not seen him do before but he manages it perfectly. Also worthy of a mention is romantic interest Margot Robbie who is so stupidly beautiful it’s impossible to get her out of your head. And also what you’re treated to in this film is typical Scorsese storytelling. He is simply the greatest living director and he can tell a story like no other, every scene brings something to the table and the pacing is just perfect.

While it could be argued that 12 Years is a better film, The Wolf of Wall Street is the most fun I’ve had at the cinema since last years Sightseers and is strong contender for my film of 2014 despite us only being in January! It may not bag the awards but I love it.