Directed by Martin Scorsese, the film stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, and Jonah Hill. Based on a true story, the film describes the rise of stockbroker Jordan Belfort (DiCaprio) from young and ambitious to greedy, fraudulent and corrupt. In his entourage are his business partner, Donnie Azoff (Hill), and his wife, Naomi (Robbie). To be honest, I only saw two of the film's three hours. Not only was I tired, but I felt like I had seen enough. Perhaps it isn't very "professional" of an amateur film critic, but I justify this with part boredom, part disgust. Scorsese films are usually "excessive." Usually, it is often gratuitous violence, but this one, since there's no violence, is riddled with needless (and, frankly, borderline gross) sex. It gets tiresome to watch and really detracts from any positives one could take from the film. Wolf is also unapologetic in its depiction of Belfort's life. I understand that it is based on his autobiography, but at no point does the film attempt to be two-dimensional and portray the viewpoint of his victims, or in any way depict his actions in a negative light. At some point (and that point for me was two hours in, which is quite enough for a film like this; three hours is exaggerated, to say the least). I can appreciate, however, Scorsese's distinct style, which is apparent throughout the film. There is also some splendid acting, particularly from DiCaprio and Robbie. But it is not nearly enough, however, to overcome the film's many, many flaws.
Should you see it: Go ahead, but you've been warned
Grade: C-
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