MOVIE REVIEW … WALL STREET: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

MOVIE REVIEW …

WALL STREET:

MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

Lightning rarely strikes twice when it comes to sequels.  While some have managed to better their predecessors, they’re usually the exception to the norm.  Which is why it’s surprising controversial director Oliver Stone has decided to tackle this double-edged sword with his first sequel.  Although inevitably not reaching the heights of its grand forebear, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps still has something to say in how greed will always be Wall Street’s greatest commodity.

Released after a long prison sentence, former stockbroker Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) wants his old life back.  This he thinks he can do via Jacob (Shia LaBeouf), an eager financial whiz-kid who happens to be his daughter Winnie’s (Carey Mulligan) fiancé.  Wanting to re-build a relationship with her, Gekko aids Jacob in taking revenge against Bretton James (Josh Brolin), a hedge fund manager whom Jacob blames for a colleagues’ death.  Using money and number crunching skills as his weapons, Gekko’s return potentially marks a new chapter in Wall Street’s illustrious history.

‘Money Never Sleeps’ complements its predecessor in a way other sequels don’t.  There’s always plenty to say about the state of the monetary system, with the recent global financial crisis providing plenty of fodder.  What’s interesting is how Gekko is a symbol of shrewd patience in acquiring what he wants versus the impulsiveness of James who represents a new way of quickly doing deals at any cost.  Both are unscrupulous in their shady tactics being defined by the success in averting the consequences of their actions.

Wall Street’s original villain is now the sequel’s apparent hero.  Maybe that’s how low Stone’s regard is for banking institutions in creating a veneer of unsustainable wealth, as Gekko appears as a voice of reason.  Whilst the story becomes a little lost within its various machinations, it has a lot of fun in playing with audience’s expectations.  You’re never sure what will happen – something the very strong cast convey with eager relish. 

Although missing the crispness which made Wall Street a smash, ‘Money Never Sleeps’ is a better than expected follow-up.  Tighter editing would have improved it although Stone still knows how to deliver solidly engaging commentary against establishments always having their own interests at heart. 

Movie Review Rating 7 / 10

Movie Review by Patrick Moore

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps released in Australia on Thursday 23 September 2010.

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