100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 22: Don Jon

Director: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 90 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza

Description: Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love.

Review: Porn. Altough society is now very open about sexuality, watching porn is a big taboo. With that being said former child star Joseph Gordon-Levitt directs his first movie with this theme.
It might sound weird, but the sound of his Apple computer starting up is enough to give Jon Martello an erection. Not because he’s the world’s biggest Apple fan, but he is an avid viewer of internet porn. Besides his porn there are only a couple of things he cares about: his body, his pad, his ride, his family, his church, his boys and his girls. Lots of girls. Jon likes porn more than sex with an actual woman, until he meets Barbara.
Although the movie is very repetitive at times, that never bothered me. Because that routine the movie goes through every time, changes because of the changes in Jon’s life. It’s hard to find a real message in this film, but I’m doubting there is one. Because the first part of the movie focuses on the comedy, the second part is more serious. That gives “Don Jon” a good balance between the two genres.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s fysical transformation is impressive. His role is very different from his previous ones. It’s very difficult to write, direct and star in a film, but he did a fantastic job. Both Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore where cast perfectly and even Tony Danza surprises. Joseph Gordon-Levitt proofs himself as a director, his way of telling the story is very innovative and interesting.
“Don Jon” gives a renewed view on the romantic comedy: how men and women look at love and relationships. It’s a great directorial debut by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and even with that big amount of sexual related issues a great joy to watch.

Rating: 4,5/ 5