Killer line-up delivers an indulgent yet powerful story

Rating: 9/10 (10 January 2014)

This one had all the hype in the world, and the pedigree to match. Martin Scorsese directing Leonardo DiCaprio? In a story of the rise and fall of a crook who gets on a fast track to money and success? (A proved formula for Scorsese...Goodfellas, Casino, etc...) So, slam dunk, right? Instant classic?
/dramatic pause
...Actually, yeah. It's pretty damn good.
Wolf of Wall Street shines in its casting. Leo's perfect for the role of Jordan Belfort. Jonah Hill gives the performance of his life (the exchange between him and Leo when Jordan asks him about his wife is hysterical). Margot Elise Robbie is in line to have her career blow up after her performance. And hey, remember that guy I mentioned before in the Grudge Match review, Jon Bernthal? That guy that was on route to becoming a star? Yep. He's right on pace. Even Matthew McConaughey steals the few scenes he's in. There are no weak links in this line-up.
Unlike many of Scorsese's bigger films, Wolf is just as much a dark comedy as it is a drama. Jonah Hill carries a good amount of the comic relief, but everyone gets in on the fun. Leo especially cuts loose in a few scenes, and you get the sense that this was probably one of the most fun roles he's ever done.
One thing to keep in mind...Wolf showcases a healthy amount of debauchery. A major chunk of the movie is all about Belfort and company living the life of the ridiculously rich and famous, and they don't hold back on the sex, drugs, and alcohol. AT ALL. It's to the point where you wonder if this movie is over-glorifying the actions of a criminal who built his wealth on the misfortunes of his clients. (But then again, we could say the same for Goodfellas...or Casino...) The fact that this is based on a true story makes me wonder if the real Jordan Belfort's life was anywhere close to this.
Another thing to keep in mind - Wolf clocks in at THREE HOURS. (By my rough estimate, about 2 and 1/2 hours of that is some combination of sex, drugs, and alcohol.) Get comfy.
Is Wolf a hit? Yes. Will it take home a few awards? Probably. Is it Scorsese's best work? No, but I'd put it in the top 5. (Goodfellas is still far and away his best - maybe THE BEST EVER - but Wolf is up there with Casino, The Departed, and Raging Bull, in my opinion.) Is it Leo's best work? Oooh...that's a tough one...all Leo does is lay out powerhouse performances, one after the other. But the argument can be made, for sure.
The Wolf of Wall Street scores a 4.5 out of 5 on the BDBOS. If you haven't already, GO SEE IT.
(Hey guys, thanks for reading. Seriously, thanks for taking the time out to hit every last line of this review. You're amazing. And you look amazing too. Have you lost some weight? That diet of yours is paying off. Listen, I don't want you to think that I'm trying to sweet-talk you into checking out www.facebook.com/TheBDBOS. I mean, that's exactly what's happening here, but I don't want you to think that. All you should be thinking about is how amazing you look. And I love what you did with your hair...can I offer you a drink?)