The Great Gatsby

Rating: 9/10 (29 May 2013)

Although visually deafening and self indulgent, The Great Gatsby succeeds due to Luhrmann's bold vision, homage to the source material, and even another breathtaking performance from Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Great Gatsby isn't a film to be taken lightly. It's played out on a grand scale, and there is certainly never a dull moment. It's fast paced, exquisite, and an enormous production. With that said, there are going to be positives and negatives.
The Great Gatsby just doesn't have an off button. Luhrmann constantly throws his visionary yet overwhelming world in his viewers faces without ever considering down time. His modernization of the classic tale works in some places; I can't say the music works or doesn't because sometimes the music fits perfectly with the scene while at other times I want to watch the movie on mute. It seems as if Luhrmann wants to plan the best party in history, but only has a small house to do so.
On the other hand, The Great Gatsby is pure popcorn entertainment. Never once was I bored, tired, or thinking negatively. I was hooked on the story and I always wanted to know where it was going. I previously mentioned the world Baz creates is indulgent, which it is. But that doesn't prevent it from being bold and creative. Throw in one of DiCaprio's best performance and an ensemble (Tobey Maguire is immensely underrated) worth dying for, and The Great Gatsby turns out to be a film worth watching and maybe even loving. Its flaws just prevent it from being masterful.