Review of Don Jon (2013) by Foxgrove — 15 Nov 2013

Don Jon's first hour is recognisably on the money with regards to sex and the male of the species. Some very funny comedic writing hits some great targets often with the sting of truth. A buffed up Joseph Gordon-Levitt is great fun as catholic boy Jon, more interested in internet porn than in sustaining long term relationships with any girl, including Scarlett Johansson who is great here. In fact, she hasn't been this good in years and looks fantastic into the bargain.

Unfortunately, with the entry of a rather mis-cast and de glamourised Julianne Moore the film rather deflates. It's obvious that she and Levitt will get together, but this last act which is a shade unbelievable loses the laughs, becomes rather moralising, somewhat judgemental and is actually too simplistically concluded. All of which is a shame because there is so much to enjoy in the film's first hour.

Amongst its other achievements the movie boasts a great original score. Alternating between lush romanticism and a playful cheekiness it enhances all the shenanigans taking place on screen, perfectly.