Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Don Jon

There's only a few things I care about: good food, good beer, my lady and good films.  Preferably one which seems to have a valid reason for existing; you all know what I mean, something which makes waves in the world, and not just to splash around.  Film is an art form needing purpose and focus, reason and direction, and because of this there are certain rules which need to be followed.  However, I seem to be constantly typing my fingers to the bone over one issue in particular, one which mustn't be broken...EVER!  This my dear friends is the Story, and in the case of Don Jon there were so many holes, it was like watching a colander at work.
 NOOOOO!!! All of our substance has gotten away!

You're welcome for the metaphor.  By this point, I think it is safe to say that this film was not very good.  Surprised?  Me too.  I personally really like Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Writer & Director & Don Jon himself) and I thought that his directing skill was rather decent, yet in the case of Don Jon, I say to thee, avoid it.  Let me help solidify this in your brain.  Have you seen the trailer for this film?  Preferably the extended one?  If you answered yes, then...

YOU'VE SEEN DON JON!

Honestly reader, this film followed that exact same plot point.  I literally wanted to yell, "Ok!  Enough already!  We get it!  You like you family, church, girls, boys, blah, blah, blah, porn!  Lets move forward with something of new found importance, geez."  I mean, this film literally followed the same path from start to finish, and basically made teeny tiny changes.  In other words it was like watching a revolving door, over-and-over.  It wasn't till about the last third where we started to see changes more significant than the upgrade from kissing to dry humping to the big sch'bang.  Repetitious is the best word to describe this film; if the trailer was attached to the ending, we could've had ourselves a 40 minute long film, if even that long.

Now I fully understand that to this point in my review I myself have fallen into the same issue as the storyline to Don Jon.  I feel as though I'm beating a dead horse here people.  It's just that this film really didn't offer much more to 'We the Viewer'.  This was not one of those films where you are constantly blown away by beautiful cinematics or animation, etc.  Instead, this film was one dimensional and flat, and utilized basic camera moves and relied on a poor script and repetitive story to entertain...which it did not.  Normally I prefer the camera style of old, static motionless cameras, minimal moves or transitions, making the film maker tell us a story through acting and dialogue, in the case of this film, I think JGL could have benefited hugely from a little bit more "flash" in his film.  Even the acting was relatively good and believable.

Easily the best character in the entire film was one I feel no one knew was even cast: Julianne Moore.  She plays a very surprising role, one which I will not give away, however, she seemed to have the most substance throughout the film and ultimately allowed for scenes she was in to become less perverted and boring.  She made this film bearable; almost as though she was a Sherpa,

 Come with me if you want to live to see the credits.

guiding my fantastic brain through the mine field which was Don Jon and bringing me safely to the credits with something worth analyzing, and a sense of protection.
 
 When asked about her thoughts on 'Don Jon' "I loved it!"



Final Words: Small Popcorn 
Even though the acting was relatively good, some better than others, and the basic idea of the film was good, and Julianne Moore allowed for something more than just porn, all in all, this film was a bust.  The storyline was too flat and cyclical, bringing nothing to the party that is my critical eye.  Catch this one when it becomes more affordable, like free.  You'll thank me for saving you $12, or whatever movies cost in your neck of the woods.    


Until next time, happy viewing!

Review Rating based on popcorn sizes: small, medium, large, extra-large; 
films worth skipping get snore...zzzzz

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