A flawed, but visually beautiful film if you give it a chance

Rating: 7/10 (31 May 2013)

I'm not exactly a fan of Baz Luhrmann and I have yet to read the book, but after seeing the trailers for this upcoming film, I went to see it with my siblings and my sister's friend yesterday in 3D. Later, when it ended, we walked out with smiles on our faces because I think this is a beautiful film. It does have some problems here and there that I will explain in a moment, but despite the mixed reception it received, I think this is a good film if you give it a chance.
Like I said before, I have yet to read the book, but while it does have some nice moments and it is faithful to F. Scott Fitzgerald's vivid writing, it does sacrifice the heart which is the reason why it got such hatred from the critics. It's also a little bit long and it does drag a bit long; on top of that, I felt like there was too much rap music throughout the film aside from a nice music score from Craig Armstrong.
Flaws aside, everything else is perfect. The direction from Baz Luhrmann is tolerable enough and it does have a lot of focus while adding some atmosphere. The dialog is smart and refreshing, the visuals and scenery of New York and Gatsby's house is so beautiful to look at especially in 3D which I think kind of works. The costumes designs and make-up is excellent and the 1920's setting is nicely detailed, but the strongest aspect would have to go to a solid cast of actors.
Tobey Maguire did a fine job as Nick Carraway and his narration was perfect; Carrie Mulligan did great as the beautiful Daisy, Joel Edgerton (who voiced Metalbeak in Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga-Hoole) is solid as Tom and Isla Fisher is also great, but Leonardo DiCaprio, one of the greatest actors in history, steals the show for being the right choice of portraying Gatsby. He seemed fit as a fiddle by showing the darker side of Gatsby's character.
Overall, The Great Gatsby does have some problems and I understand that it got mixed feelings from the critics, but for me, I would recommend others to see it even if they haven't read the book.