This 'Wolf' has a shallow bite

Rating: 7/10 (4 April 2014)

Like its cocaine-fueled characters, Martin Scorsese's 'The Wolf of Wall Street' has an almost manic energy. But despite clocking in at nearly three hours, the whole affair (also not unlike its characters) feels rather shallow. Maybe that's the whole point. To explore superficial characters superficially. If that's the case, then this film is a rousing success.
'The Wolf of Wall Street' is very much a kindred spirit to one of Scorsese's other films, 'Goodfellas'. Like that film, 'Wolf' is narrated by its lead character as he rides the exhilarating highs and crushing lows of life on the wild side. DiCaprio once again proves why he might be his generation's best actor as he carries much of the film with the strength of his tour de force performance. The script is witty and the supporting cast strong, but this film likely doesn't work without DiCaprio.
The biggest fault many will have with this film is that it not only makes these people likable, but it fails to pronounce judgment on them after so much debauchery and dirty deeds. This is not an overt cautionary tale, but neither does it try to glorify this lifestyle. Whether you walk away inspired or incensed by it is completely up to you.