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Don Jon

Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson, and Tony Danza
Directed and written by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

    To the gentlemen with significant others, clear your internet history BEFORE you see this movie with them.
    Jon Martello (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) has an interesting life.  He cares about only a few things; his apartment, family, church, friends, girls, and porn, especially the porn.  He's nicknamed "Don" because he hooks up with the most attractive girls every weekend.  One night at the club, he meets Barbara (Scarlett Johansson).  She's different from all the other girls Jon hooks up with.  She wants more than just a happy ending one night, meaning Jon's going to have to change his game if he wants to get with her.  And as much as he likes her, he likes his porn even more.  She hates that he watches porn, so something's going to have to give.
    Don Jon is Joseph Gordon-Levitt's first feature film writing and directing.  So, how did he do?  I'll say he did a pretty good job.  Firstly, he plays his role fantastically, and Scarlett Johansson isn't so bad herself.  The two are often quite funny to watch together on screen and there seems to be a lot of chemistry between them on screen.
    The writing is pretty good too.  At times, it makes for some pretty hilarious drama that can be...well...a little overdramatic.  At times, Scarlett Johansson is somewhat overdramatic, like the scene in which Barbara catches Jon for the first time watching porn.  While it seems like an overdone reaction, let's face it, it's pretty shocking when the girlfriend catches the boyfriend watching porn.  Why?  It probably makes her feel uncomfortable that her boyfriend is watching porn.  So, at the same time, there is a sense of reality to this particular scene that makes for a plausible real world scenario, and that perhaps is the hilarity of this particular scene.  The film is full of scenes like this.
    The story overall seems like a pretty realistic story.  Many guys out there have watched porn at least once in their life, and probably many have watched a whole lot of porn in their lives.  And some, have probably had their significant other catch them watching it.  This is a good storyline because it's relatable.  It makes for a good connection between the film and the audience, a big plus in my book.
    This doesn't seem quite like a movie that one can learn something from, but if you think about it, the movie does have a message; if you're in a relationship, don't watch porn.  It puts unnecessary strains on the relationship and can be hurtful to the person you're in a relationship with.  If I learned anything from this movie, it's that if you treat your significant other right, he/she will make it so you don't ever need to watch porn for sexual satisfaction again.
     Overall, this is a fun and entertaining film.  It's the kind of film that couples will enjoy watching together and will be awkward if you see the movie alone like I did.  But maybe that's the purpose, to make us feel awkward.  Either way, I recommend this film.  There are better films out there at the moment, but Don Jon is certainly worth the money.
     I give Don Jon a B.
 

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