The Film
Leonardo DiCaprio is a millionaire playboy who indulges in parties that typically include in an insane amount of drugs, a little hazing, hookers, and the occasional midget toss. This isn't a TMZ exclusive; it's the Oscar-nominated actor's latest film with director Martin Scorsese.
Those types of antics consume much of The Wolf of Wall Street's 179-minute runtime. That's just fine because Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) has enough sleazy antics to go around. This semi-true tale of the real-life former stockbroker has Belfort repeatedly cheating on his trophy wife (Margot Robbie), taunting FBI Agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler), and regularly scarfing down massive amounts of Quaaludes. However, this and his other list of extracurricular activities isn't really what makes him so douchey. (It certainly doesn't help, though.) It's that he runs a highly sophisticated, insanely successful pump and dump scam.
Of course, most shady business practices aren't typically a one-man show and neither is The Wolf of Wall Street. Jonah Hill is pretty darn perfect as Belfort's right-hand man, Donnie Azoff. You're going to recognize a ton of other famous faces, too, because when Scorsese wants you to appear -- even if it's for 2 minutes -- you say, "yes!" Look for blips with Matthew McConaughey, Jon Bernthal, Jon Favreau, Jean Dujardin, Joanna Lumley, Christine Ebersole, Ethan Suplee, Spike Jonze, and countless others. Rob Reiner is also quite the standout, as Belfort's father.
The insanely talented cast aside, The Wolf of Wall Street can be tough to watch. If you're even the slightest bit offended at nudity, drug use or the F word, The Wolf of Wall Street will have you squirming for its entire 179 minutes. The language is especially bad, dropping more F bombs than Belfort does ‘ludes -- and he does a lot of those.
The excess doesn't stop at what's going on in the movie. This film is 179 minutes. Scorsese probably could have shaved off 30 minutes or so and I would have given it that extra 1/2 star. After all, what's another binge scene between friends?
However, this is Scorsese and rarely should you question his methods. It's not exactly Goodfellas, but very few films are. It certainly takes a few cues from that film, though. It also includes another stellar performance from DiCaprio. Missing out on yet another Oscar certainly doesn't mean that the guy didn't deserve one. And if you don't think so, consider a recent story where DiCaprio stated that he's never done drugs in his life. Yet, he manages to convey his binges and the excess so well, you should expect to get a contact high.
Not ready to get off this wild ride? Check out David Kempler's theatrical review of The Wolf of Wall Street.
The Picture
Scorsese is a sharp filmmaker and this is a sharp 2.40:1 image to match. From the get-go, Matthew McConaughy looks disturbing, because his fake tan and Dallas Buyers Club physique are so crystal clear here. His part is fleeting, but not to fear; Jonah Hill's teeth are blinding throughout the entire film! However, that's how The Wolf of Wall Street rolls. Everything is decadent, all the way down to this decadent image. The pool scene with the rippling water and the slow-motion drink spillage, the various lingerie, the glass block, the closeups on the pills and coke; everything looks as stellar as you'd expect from this acclaimed director's films.
The Sound
The Wolf of Wall Street is definitely very focused on dialogue, which this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 delivers nicely. Even in those slurred, drug-induced moments, you should be able to follow along. (It's not always easy, though!) However, this film is busting with ambience for every single speaker. The insanity of Black Monday, the insanity of the strip clubs, the insanity of that boat ride, and the rest of the... well, insanity; it's all an immersive experience that will sometimes leave you gasping for air. Also worth noting is the film's soundtrack, which belts out Billy Joel, The Lemonheads, Romeo Void and several others with a lot of force, but never steps on the action or dialogue presented here.
The Extras
Final Thoughts
It's certainly not Martin Scorsese's best. It's not even his best with Leonardo DiCaprio. However, The Wolf of Wall Street is a very good film. The drug use, language and nudity may put off some viewers, but it's just part of this excessively wild ride. The film never lets up, except when it comes to those the extras. Having just one short featurette really stinks. However, the video presentation, the audio and the story will leave you on a high -- in a good way.
Product Details
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