Just enjoy a great film.

Rating: 8/10 (16 May 2013)

I have read too many reviews about how this movie isn't as good as the book or this movie isn't as good as previous versions. Well to those people I say why not just rate the movie on what it is intended for; a couple of hours enjoyment and even to maybe ask yourself what's possible with a bit of hope.
Now I have never read the book or seen any of the other adaptations but I can gather that maybe Luhrmann strays a little from the details in the book. But does that really matter if the film is genuinely entertaining to watch. I found myself eager to find out who Gatsby really was. And I think this was down in no small part to Leonardo Di Caprio. He played the character brilliantly oozing confidence and really stealing the show. In fact it wouldn't surprise me to see the term "old sport" making its way back to popular culture thanks to Leo.
Another area which has took a lot of criticism is the soundtrack. However I have to say I loved the contrast of 1920's New York and the recent music of jay z among others. I really felt this worked in emphasising the grandness and showmanship of who and what Gatsby was portraying. The scale of the movie was also really impressive and I'm sure that anyone who sees it would love to have attended any of the parties that were brilliantly shot during the film.
However the movie isn't perfect. Tobey Maguire's character comes across as a little bit too much of a lap dog. I found myself getting frustrated at his lack of grit to make his own decisions whether this be with Gatsby or Joel Edgerton's Tom Buchanan.
All in all though this is a really great film. Di Caprio is at his brilliant best ( but to be honest when is he not) and the grandness of the event just has to be enjoyed. Luhrmann s imagery really does make you appreciate what the cinema can offer as opposed( or along with) the novel.