![The Wolf of Wall Street [2013]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/the-wolf-of-wall-street-poster.jpg)
The Wolf of Wall Street [2013]
Director: Martin Scorsese
Writers: Terence Winter (screenplay), Jordan Belfort (book)
Genre: Biography/Comedy/Crime
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill, Margot Robbie
Running Time: 180 minutes
The Wolf of Wall Street is exactly what I expected it to be — a wild, drugged-out ride through the career of a larger-than-life criminal. Sex, drugs and profanity profilerate the screen. It’s so over-the-top in its debauchery that it’s bound to infuriate those sensitive to such content. One of the very first scenes, in which Leonardo DiCaprio snorts cocaine off the backside of a hooker, tells you all you need to know about what the next three hours hold. If that doesn’t deter you, well, sit back and enjoy one of the craziest films you’ll see all year.
Set in the late 80s and into the 90s, the film follows the rise and fall of a cocky young stockbroker named Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio). While he starts out fairly mild-mannered as a married man, he begins spiraling out of control after accepting a profitable job selling penny stocks. As his wealth begins to accumulate, so does his lavish lifestyle. He forms his own company, Stratton Oakmont, hires a handful of friends (mostly drug dealers) and then molds them into successful brokers. Donnie Azoff (Jonah Hill) becomes his right-hand man, and Belfort scores himself a new hot wife, Naomi (Margot Robbie).
![The Wolf of Wall Street [2013]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/wolf-of-wall-street-jonah-leo.jpg)
Belfort’s excess and fraudulent behavior catches the eye of FBI agent Greg Coleman (Kyle Chandler). The two of them play a bit of cat-and-mouse as Belfort starts shoveling his money to a Swiss bank account. He always seems to be one step ahead of the game, yet he simply doesn’t know when or how to stop. Naturally, his habits lead to his downfall.
Does Belfort change? No, not really. The more money he makes, the more out of control he gets. He throws spectacular parties for his employees, most of which are full of cocaine, Quaaludes and orgies. He’s a pretty awful guy all around, yet DiCaprio manages to make him so damn charismatic. Leo’s performance here is both batshit crazy and also one of the best in his career. Watching him dance, scream and jumble around while strung out on ‘ludes is worth the price of admission alone.
![The Wolf of Wall Street [2013]](https://twscritic.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/the-wolf-of-wall-street.jpg)
The supporting cast is absolutely terrific as well, with no weak links anywhere. Jonah Hill often goes into frightening territory with his character, but his drug adventures with DiCaprio make for many of the film’s best moments. (On a side note, who would have ever thought Hill would have *two* Oscar nominations? Dude deserves them though.) Matthew McConaughey has a great scene in which he acts as a bit of a mentor to Belfort, leading him in an awkward-but-amusing chest pounding chant. Rob Reiner, Spike Jonze and Jon Favreu all have notable bit parts, but perhaps the biggest surprise of the film is Margot Robbie. This Australian actress is the perfect counterpart to DiCaprio, even managing to steal a scene or two from him. She’s definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.
The Wolf of Wall Street‘s excess may be a bit too much at times, and it does bear quite a few similarities with Goodfellas, but Scorsese is still in top form here. The dark humor is so twisted and off-the-wall that I found myself laughing often, and quite frankly there is never a dull moment within the film’s three hour runtime. If you can handle the vulgarity, this one will not disappoint.
Great review. And agreed.
Thanks!
Wow, great review, will have to see this!
Thanks man, this movie is insane but in the best way possible.
Excellent review! Glad you liked it, Wolf was such a blast. Leonardo gives my favourite performance of his, he was on fire!
Loved the Spike Jonze cameo.
Thanks! I would love for Leo to get an Oscar for this, though it’s looking unlikely with the great year McConaughey has had.
Awesome to read praise for Hill and Robbie – they were so good and didn’t let DiCaprio overshadow them. I’m so damn happy Jonah got second nomination, he really deserves it!
Hill’s nomination caught me off guard, but it all made sense after finally watching this. He is the perfect right-hand man for Leo.
I was happy to see Rob Reiner. He was perfect for that role. Whole movie was awesome!
Yeah, Reiner was a nice surprise. So many great performances in this…. should make for a fun rewatch when it hits DVD.
Yeah, it could have definitely been cut-down in its length, but it still doesn’t matter because what we have here is a fun movie that almost never lost my interest for a single second during its three-hour run. Just goes to show you that Marty still’s got it! Good review Eric.
Yes indeed, Marty’s still in top form. I loved every minute of this ridiculous ride.
Nice review. I think Wolf could have been cut down a bit, but that’s a small complaint. It’s a fun enjoyable ride and I agree with your assessment of Margot Robbie, who I think is being overlooked by most.
Thanks. Robbie really came out of nowhere, didn’t she? Can’t wait to see more of her work.
Good review! Agree with most what you write Don’t usually associate Scorsese with comedy, but they made it work in those scenes. Currently in my top 10 of the year.
Thanks! Glad to hear you enjoyed this so much as well.