Quick Review: Don Jon

A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love.

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Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Writer[s]: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson

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Joseph Gordon-Levitt [JGL] is now a writer and a director, and he has a lot to say. I find a lot of similarities in tone and intentions to 500 Days of Summer, which also starred JGL. An intriguing look at relationships and sex in the modern world that has a lot that guys can relate to [not sure about the women], but also a lot of lessons to be learned.

A simply made film that is cute in it’s repetitions, but nothing really jumps out and impresses me from a directorial stand-point, but for a first film, it’s interesting to see what the future will hold for such a smart guy.

My Rating

3/4 – Although pepper with a solid amount of things you don’t want your kids to see or hear, Don Jon is a smart rom-com that people can take a lot away from.

Quick Review – I Give It a Year

A look at the trials and tribulations of a newlywed couple during their first year of marriage.

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Director: Dan Mazer

Writer: Dan Mazer

Starring: Rose Byrne, Rafe Spall, Anna Faris, Simon Baker

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2/4 – A UK comedy from the writer of the Ali G show and Borat with loads of humorous dialogue in the vein of Judd Apatow. It has many laughs, but eventually the dialogue grows tiresome, for that is really the only comedic aspect. The story, performances, direction, and most everything else makes for a pretty average rom-com, but I feel some people may find the dialogue more endlessly entertaining than I did.

Quick Review – Snitch

A father goes undercover for the DEA in order to free his son who was imprisoned after being set up in drug deal.

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Director: Ric Roman Waugh

Writer[s]: Ric Roman Waugh, Justin Haythe

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jon Bernthal, Susan Surandon, Barry Pepper

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My Rating

2.5/4 – Snitch is  a consistently toned thriller featuring “The Rock” in his most interesting character of his acting career. It’s no award winner, but it was good to see him in something a little more meaty, and he delivered what he needed to. The overall product is a little flat, but it’s not overly flashy nor does it try too hard to impress or thrill.