The Great Gatsby

It was a little worrisome when Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel had its release postponed last year. As it turns out, making the film a summer blockbuster rather than an awards season contender was a great move, because this one is right at home in the summer movie season. Shot in glorious 3-D, it works magic with the format. It's a rollicking roaring '20s movie that shouldn't be missed. Leonardo DiCaprio is a marvel in the title role, giving us a vulnerable and sometimes slightly crazy Gatsby in relentless pursuit of his love, Daisy (Carey Mulligan). Tobey Maguire is excellent as narrator and Gatsby admirer Nick Carraway, while Joel Edgerton steals scenes as Tom Buchanan. Those who like Luhrmann's opulent, sometimes frantic style will find plenty to like in this movie. He also manages to use music by Jay-Z and Lana Del Ray in a movie set nearly a century ago.