Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is a follow up to the classic film Wall Street (1987). Both directed by Oliver Stone and starring Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko. New to the second film is Shia LaBeouf as Jake Moore; Carrie Mulligan as Gordon's estranged daughter Winnie who's also in a relationship with Jake. Also there's Josh Brolin as Bretton James. This just isn't a commentary on Wall Street greed and how it can change the world, it's a story focused on family and relationships.

The first thing to say about Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is that it's a valid sequel. That's something that cannot always be said when sequels come rolling around. This new movie fits the modern era and state of economic affairs the same way the original applied to the situation of the latter 1980s. It's scary to see a group of about 10 people sitting around a table deciding how financial situations are going to be for everyone else in the world and only thinking about themselves.

The main themes are clear: Greed, envy, and revenge. But it's more specifically how those three things can affect how we treat and view other people around us-whether they be professional associates or, especially, family.

It's this main focus on family that I think make Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps a movie that everybody should be able to watch, appreciate, and connect with. It's certainly not just for those who understand (or think they understand) Wall Street market stuff. That's not really the story being told.

I need to comment on the great acting. This is the best performance to date for Shia. I've always liked him but he really did well in this movie. Also too, this may be the best I've seen from Michael Douglas. Tough to say but maybe it is. It's great to see Josh Brolin in something good (not Jonah Hex). Brolin's character is really tough and dark and he pulled it off wonderfully.

Finally, without any spoilers, the ending was great and well written and played...I really think this is a great movie for everyone...GO NOW!