Ambitious yet very flawed dramedy

Rating: 7/10 (5 October 2013)

DON JON (2013) **1/2 Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson, Rob Brown, Jeremy Luke, (voice of Paul Ben-Victor). Gordon-Levitt makes his big-screen filmmaking debut as writer/director in an ambitious yet very flawed dramedy about a New Jersey guido (um, one full star subtraction Just For That Crime Against Humanity; Thanks JGL!) whose online porn addiction threatens a possible new relationship with superficial Johansson. While the ensemble cast makes up for the stereotypical caricatures they embody, Gordon-Levitt has his hands full in making a one-note Johnny redeemable but Moore's adult education co-ed adds some much needed ballast to an otherwise over-the-top vibe sustained throughout. Hopefully next time the aspiring auteur will take into accounts that not all Jersey guys are ass-hats.