Review of Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010) by Jason J — 25 Sep 2011

1987 is remembered for the release of 'Wall Street', a tale of corruption, greed and scandal in the upper echelons of financial trading in New York. This sequel continues after Gordon Gekko's eight-year prison sentence. The kid this time is Jake Moore. Already a hugely successful Wall Street broker, Jake just happens to be dating Gekko's estranged daughter Winnie.

Veteran director Oliver Stone directed both movies and what superlative achievements they are. Acute attention to the smallest details - recalling characters and events from the first movie - creates an impressive synergy, which over a span of 23 years is all the more commendable. Although both movies contain plenty of stock market jargon which I may never comprehend, the multiple narratives couldn't be easier to follow. The cast is in prime form. Michael Douglas is nearly as terrific as he was in the original. Shia Labeouf has never given, in my opinion, a finer performance yet. Carey Mulligan is solid in her character, and the movie also features great names such as Frank Langella, Josh Brolin, and the great Eli Wallach, all of whom are in fine form. Oh, and keep an eye out for a cameo that will delight you with nostalgia.

This is amongst the most interesting, gripping and memorable movies to come out of 2010. Gekko and Stone still rule! Two Thumbs Up!