Distinct idea, pleasant performances, realistic ending

Rating: 7/10 (22 January 2014)

Movies dealing with lust, masturbation, casual sex, etc. are not for everyone, and they must be candid or with twisted approach, otherwise they are just rude and embarrassing. In my opinion, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (director + screenwriter + leading male) has found this angle, and the result is a realistic movie depicting modern comprehension of sex and love among the younger generation, boosted by Internet and club atmosphere. Even family ties or church are often unable to hinder this...
All the three leading performances are sophisticated: apart from Gordon-Levitt as Jon "Don Jon" Martello, Jr., Scarlett Johansson as Barbara Sugarman and especially Julianne Moore as Esther provide brave but still nice performances. The other are also okay, however, most uninviting Don Jon's pals, apparently brought along for diversification of ethnicities.
"Only" 7 points from me as I find some other recent movies with the presence of Gordon-Levitt more interesting (e.g. 50/50, Hesher, 500 Days of Summer). But anyways a strong feature directorial debut.