What's so Great about Gatsby?

The Great Gatsby a classic, a masterpiece and something you all probably read in high school, maybe you watched the original movie as well, which was terrible by the way. But the point is, we have all one way or another heard of the Great Gatsby. Maybe you have only gotten to know it recently with the new movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio, or like myself you have done all 3. I recently watched the new movie and before I did, I had come across more than one unfavourable review. So naturally I went into it expecting little. What did I think though?

After the movie, my friends had mixed feelings about the movie, some loved it, some didn't. Many had issues with the sound track, many loved it. For me however, the movie was brilliant, I am a fan of the book to an extent and I found that they did a great job in bringing the 1920's to us in a modern way. They did this in a number of ways, but I want to comment on the soundtrack. To get to the point, I think they nailed it. The use of rap or a mix of hip hop (even some dub thrown in) gave the music an African American feel. And this was perfect, because at the time the Roaring 20's were in full swing. What was happening was the growth of the black middle class, as well as a growth in African American music. This way giving the old a modern twist, which I must commend. 

As far as the story goes, I thought they covered all the bases, for the hopeless romantic in us, we could relate with Gatsby and his undying love for Daisy. For the Creep within us, we could also see how Leo won and lost with his complete devotion. Gatsby perfectly debates the age old question, of can money truly buy you happiness. Would you take a chance to have nothing and be happy or risk it all for the riches of the Gods. Seems if you know the story, you will know who chose what. 

The biggest surprise of the movie for me is how impressive Tobey Maguire was. I am not a fan of his, and ever since Spiderman, I have thought him an actor that lacked substance, but my word, if he didn't prove me wrong in this one. This could be the role to bring him back. On top of this, I don't see Leo getting an Oscar for his performance, even though he is good as ever, but Tobey steals the show and I wouldn't be surprised if he is nominated for his role.

Overall the Great Gatsby gets a massive thumbs up from me and if you haven't watched it then do it. It's no Perks of being a Wallflower, but it's close.