Don Jon - B

Rated R, 89 minutes

Brash, funny and smart "Don Jon" is a charmer

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

It isn't a perfect 10, but I'd give it a solid 7.5. "Don Jon" the movie that is, the assured, profanely funny new film from director, writer and star, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It's not for everyone not everything is perfect, but it's unexpectedly moving. Jon Martello (JGL) is a modern day Don Juan whose friends call him Don Jon because of his ability to pull "10s" every weekend without fail. But his addiction to porn has made him dissatisfied with life and he sets out on a journey to find a more gratifying sex life, in the process learning more about life and love through two different women (Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore). "Don Jon" is a smart comedy (much like the recent "Thanks for Sharing") takes a few pokes at relationships, sex and porn addiction, all the while giving JGL fans generous fixes of their leading man. It also provides a breakout of sorts for Gordon-Levitt, with his confident direction, writing and acting, establishing himself behind the camera as well. Yes, it's profane, but not as profanely T&A as it could've gone for a film that touches (no pun intended) on porn addiction. JGL, always a likable actor, is a real charmer here whose clear inspiration may be any of the guys from "Jersey Shore" (laundry, gym and tanning) but with a little more depth. He also has decent chemistry with his leading ladies, Johansson and Moore, playing two very different women in his life. The efficiently made "Don Jon," as funny and even touching as it is, only skims the surface of some serious issues like porn addiction, clearly avoiding some of the more realistic consequences (i.e. STDs, support groups, therapy) that may arise from this problem. Yet, as long as JGL is on screen, and it is plenty, then "Don Jon" works just fine, filled with many entertaining scenes and will make you laugh more than you care to admit. Skip the porn and go see the smart, brash comedy from "Don Jon" with less regrets.

Wes's Grade: B