Love JGL, but, man, did I hate his character here

Rating: 5/10 (26 January 2014)

Joseph Gordon-Levitt makes his directorial debut. He's probably the best actor of his generation, and he proves to be more than a competent director, but, I have to admit, I could never get over my initial hatred of his character here. A meathead guido is just never going to do anything other than repulse me. The truth is, this is a film about a jerk who grows into a better person by the end of the movie, but I just could never get over the initial jerkiness. JGL plays a stud who can bed any woman he wants, but he actually finds watching internet porn more stimulating. After an excruciatingly long courting period with his new girlfriend Scarlett Johansson, JGL instantly ruins it when she catches him watching porn. Johansson is good in her role, but she's every bit as despicable as JGL's character. Later in the film, JGL becomes involved with an older student in one of his classes, Julianne Moore, who helps him get over his addiction. Tony Danza is pretty good as JGL's father. Good enough where you can see that one other good role could redeem him as an actor. Brie Larson, who really broke out with Short Term 12 this year, has a Silent Bob-like role as JGL's sister. I swear I didn't even notice she was in the film until she spoke about 3/4 through.