watchable though sure to be off-putting to some

Rating: Null/10 (29 September 2013)

A unique hybrid of romance, comedy, social commentary, and character study with actor/writer/director Joseph Gordon-Levitt in peak form as the titular character, a suave Jersey stud who can pull "dimes" at the drop of a hat, but prefers to indulge himself in the salacious world of internet pornography. He reaches a crossroads when he meets two vastly different women who dramatically alter his once routine life. With graphic subject matter and explicit dialogue this is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it's laser sharp in its observations, the characters make sense, the acting is strong, and the laughs are abundant. Lead actors Gordon-Levitt, Johansson, and Moore are all completely believable, but the film's resolution is just a bit too hasty and a bit too pat to keep it from scoring a home run. Still, it's an ambitious and impressive showing from a novice film director. **½