The Wolf of Wall Street

Back from my long sabbatical, and what better way to bring the reviews back than with a Martin Scorcese film?

In the late 1980's, greed-obsessed stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio) sets up a boiler room to sell penny stocks to unsuspecting investors. After being motivated to pursue his dream of greed by his first boss, Mark Hanna, (Matthew McConaughey) Jordan recruits Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) to set up his own firm: Stratton Oakmont. Through the ridiculous commissions he makes off each penny stock sold through his own firm, Belfort's wealth increases as exponentially as does his raging drug habit throughout the 1980's and into the 1990's.

A lot has been made about the film and its controversial subject matter including the unlimited usage of drugs and rampant sexuality. While this film does provide heavy doses of both, it also is a solidly funny dark comedy in what can best be described as, labeled online: "Scarface for douchebags".

At three hours, including credits, does the film feel longer than it needs to be? Yes. Martin Scorcese is a master storyteller, which this film continues to prove, but also, after a while, the film does become repetitive in it's showcasing of Jordan's excess. Editor Thelma Schoonmaker does edit the film to keep the pacing well maintained, but a story like this really doesn't need to have the running time that it does.

Leonardo DiCaprio is an actor who gets better as his career progresses. Though I am not sure this is his best role, my personal preference being The Departed, this is a powerful performance that only few actors could have pulled off as well as Leonardo DiCaprio does. Jonah Hill is solid, though his character seems to come and go only when the plot needs to, likewise FBI Agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler) who begins snooping into Jordan's firm and the legality of it.

Lastly, Matthew McConaughey's Mark Hanna shows up early and only for a brief time. Mark takes Jordan under his wing and gives him all the information required to be a millionaire: namely a reliance on cocaine. The small role is fun and a very enjoyable cameo brought forth by Matthew McConaughey, who continues to showcase himself as an actor who is continuously getting better. See Killer Joe or look at all the accolades he is receiving for his work in Dallas Buyer's Club to understand what I mean.

Is this Martin Scorcese's best film ever? Honestly, no. There are some problems with the film: length and a somewhat unfocused story being the main culprits. Is it the best film of the year? Again, no. There are films released in 2013 that I felt were better overall. Is this Martin Scorcese still near the top of his game? Absolutely. The Wolf of Wall Street may not be the best film of the year, but it is still a very good film and should be seen by all to watch Martin Scorcese and Leonardo DiCaprio fire on all cylinders.

7.7/10

31 In 31: Misery

Rob Reiner brings one of the best adaptations of Stephen King's work.

Paul Sheldon (James Caan) is a successful novelist who specializes in a series of boks featuring a character named Misery Chastain. After completing his latest novel, which does not include Misery, Paul sets out to Los Angeles during a blizzard. He loses control of his 1965 Mustang and crashes. Local resident Annie Wilkes "happens" to be near, drags Paul from his car and takes him to her house.

Annie is a nurse who bandages Paul up and provides medicine. She reveals herself to be Paul's number one fan; even naming her pet pig Misery. Annie lets Paul know that the phone lines are down and that all roads into town are blocked. Though, thankfully for Paul, Annie states that she will take care of Paul in the meantime.

Slowly, though, Paul realizes that Annie is an obsessed fan who is unhinged. Annie continues to make excuses as to why she hasn't taken him to the doctors and has random moments of outbursts at Paul, especially regarding Misery. After picking up the last book in the Misery saga, Misery's Child, Annie cannot take the idea that Paul killed off the Misery character to focus on book non-Misery-related. Annie decides to keep Paul at her house while Paul writes a new novel to bring Misery Chastain back to life.

As Paul is trapped within Annie' house, his publisher Marcia Sindell (Lauren Bacall) contacts local sheriff Buster (Richard Farnsworth) inquiring about him being missing. Buster begins looking into Paul's disappearance and he sets off on a path that will cross with both Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes.

Rob Reiner directs Misery like a play. Most of the main story takes place in Annie's house; mainly in Paul's bedroom. Reiner directs these scenes initially very loose, almost bordering on some light-hearted humor, but then surprises us when Annie's psychotic side comes out. When we follow Buster and his b-story, he interacts mainly with his on-screen partner and wife Virginia (Frances Sternhagen). The interactions between these two characters is jovial and cute as they flirt with each other while trying to solve the Paul Sheldon mystery.

As most Stephen King adaptations are horribly executed, it is always nice to enjoy a film that isn't (as someone close to me would say) complete balls. Anchored by two strong performances, including Kathy Bates and her Academy Award winning role and sure-handed direction, this is a very good horror film.