Based on the memoir by Jordan Belfort, The Wolf of Wall Street is one of those rare film masterpieces that you wouldn’t think could be pulled off as a knockout comedy (arguably funnier than Anchorman 2 and fashioned in the style of Goodfellas) about corporate debauchery and the rise and fall of a powerful moneyman.  Considering Martin Scorsese was at the helm, it’s no surprise that the movie works.

The film centers on Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio), the real life stockbroker who was living the high life throughout the 1980s by working his gift for financial fraud.  Eventually indicted based on his stock market manipulations and countless other crimes, Belfort is now a motivational speaker.  As far as the plot goes, it’s nothing we haven’t really seen before. That, however, is what is amazing about this film.  Scorsese brings ample energy and wit in turning this story about corporate corruption and excess into a three hour laugh-fest, showing us just how rowdy and unpredictable Belfort’s life might have been.  It’s hard to say whether the film idolizes its protagonist, because when we are laughing at this man and his stock pals, are we laughing with or against him?  Scorsese’s tricky direction tries to maintain a balance while dealing with this scattered, surreal, conundrum of a life.  Leonardo DiCaprio, on the other hand, gives the electric performance of a lifetime as Belfort, and if this doesn’t get him an Oscar nomination, then I don’t know what will.

Thanks to Martin Scorsese’s sly, crisp direction, and a powerhouse cast consisting of screen joys like Jonah Hill (Moneyball, 21 Jumpstreet), Matthew McConaughey (The Lincoln Lawyer, Mud), Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights, Super 8), and Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, The Ghost Writer), The Wolf of Wall Street is another rise and fall tale of epic proportions. The film is well worth the price of admission for any movie buff, Scorsese fan, or viewer that’s up for 3 hours of comedic movie heaven.  The film also features surprise cameos of American directors Spike Jonze and Jon Favreau.  One urgent side note: this movie is not suitable for family or preteen viewing; it is rated R.  Seeing it with a close friend is a better option, while, that being said, Wolf of Wall Street is also one of those films that may not be everyone’s cup of tea either.  As a movie buff and Scorsese fan myself, I truly enjoyed this immensely entertaining assessment on how surreal and immoral life on Wall Street can be.  On a scale of 1 to 10, I give it a 9.5.