A sex-and-drug-fueled comedy with some stellar moments

Rating: 8/10 (18 December 2013)

Martin Scorsese's newest biopic 'The Wolf of Wall Street' details the career of Wall Street broker Jordan Belfort in the late 1980s and 1990s, as well as his lurid sex life and prominent drug use. This film was not what I was expecting - it is actually funny, and focuses more on the comedy genre rather than crime or drama like Scorsese's previous endeavours 'Goodfellas', 'Taxi Driver' or 'The Departed'. Leonardo DiCaprio is in fine form, carrying the film as the corrupt and womanising (but still likable) 'wolf'.
Using the breaking of the fourth wall and narration techniques, 'Wolf of Wall St' is a gross- out comedy that breaks the barriers of sex and drug use in film (multiple orgies and scenes with a hell of a lot of cocaine - mostly together - make for a very R rated viewing). Sex in 'Wolf' is what drugs and violence are in 'Goodfellas'.
The film seems to focus more on Belfort's personal life rather than the bulk of it being about his professional one, with excellent supporting roles from Margot Robie as a gold- digging 'duchess' (who really does stand out in a stellar performance) and Matthew McConaughey in his fleeting role as Belfort's mentor. Audiences will not get what they are expecting from DiCaprio's performance, although he is brilliant he is more there to induce laughter rather than heartbreak or drama.
'The Wolf of Wall Street' is a devilishly fun watch, with laugh-out-loud moments and a great script that lets you suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ridiculous moments of the film (keeping in mind it is a true story!). Scorsese masterfully goes back to his roots and directs this tale of corruption and greed; a hilarious way to end off this year's film season. 8/10