Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)

"If there's one thing I learned in prison it's that money is not the prime commodity in our lives...time is."

- Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps

Recently, I had the chance to see this sequel based on the original movie. And, I have to say - it was definitely a treat to see Michael Douglas playing the role of Gordon Gekko again. But, that's pretty much about all I enjoyed about this film.

As a fan of the first movie, I knew I wanted to see this one. But, somehow when I first saw the original trailer I didn't think it would be as good as the original - I was right.

Though, it did have it's ups and downs. And, yes - there were a few twists and turns with a few very unexpected moments. It really did surprise me.

(Note: For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about. It was interesting to see how we were led to believe one thing but it really turned out differently. And, then it changed again near the end).

To be honest, this movie is really a film for those who have an interest in the world of finance. It's really made for those who are knowledgeable about the history of finance and who have followed the financial markets.

For those who are not as interested or knowledgeable about the finance industry, it may be a bit difficult to comprehend - there are many references and terminology used in the film that can only be understood for those who have an interest and knowledge about the topic of finance.

Regarding the film, the story really takes us back to the financial crisis and collapse of Wall Street in 2008. There are many references to the housing market at the time as well as the relationship and role home mortgages played during this period in history.

(Note: Again, this is really a movie for those who follow and have an interest in finance and the history of financial markets. It will be somewhat difficult to understand the references made for those who are not as knowledgeable or interested in the topic of finance).

At the heart of the movie, this film is really about one thing. And, that is greed and the impact greed can play on our society as well as our economy. Then, the question that is posed (as in the original film) remains the same. Is greed good?

Here's what Gordon Gekko had to say about the topic of greed in the original movie:



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The film really goes into the concept of greed by presenting the events that were a direct result of the speculation and the mania in our financial markets at the time. It really went into the mechanics of how speculation and perceptions can be manipulated to change entire markets - just like the original movie. But, this time - on a bigger scale and with more money.

To add to the story, there was a side story with Gordon Gekko's daughter, Winnie, played by Carey Mulligan, and Shia LaBeouf, which I didn't really care for. It was more of a distraction to the overall storyline than anything else - I didn't really see a need for it.

What I liked about the original movie was the focus on Bud Fox, played by Charlie Sheen, and his interaction and interest to work with his idol, Gordon Gekko. To me, that was what the original movie was all about - the game.

On the other hand, this film went back and forth between the game and the side story with Gekko's daughter. It just didn't make much sense. And, I just did not enjoy the scenes and the interactions in this part of the film.

Overall, I would say this movie is really one for those who have an interest and enjoy the subject of finance and follow the financial markets. It will be really difficult to comprehend some of the references (i.e. events, terminology, etc) in the movie for those who do not have the interest and/or knowledge about financial markets.

(Note: For those who have already seen the film, here's a list of "The 10 Best Quotes" from the movie).

As a fan of the original film, this movie was not as good as the original. But, it did interest me being a fan of the first film as well as having an interest in the subject of finance.

(Note: For those who are fans of Oliver Stone movies, I'd say there's some of his style in the movie. But, there are moments where the film takes on a different style as well. It's very mixed. Some parts do not look as professional as others in terms of editing, acting in certain scenes, etc. For those who have seen the film, you'll know what I'm talking about).

If you're a fan of the original film and also have an interest in finance, I'd say this movie is ok. Not great, but at the same time not the best. If I weren't a fan of the first film and did not have an interest in the subject of finance, I probably would not have enjoyed and understood this movie.

Film Gurl's 15 Minute Rule: NEUTRAL

(Note: For those who are fans of the original film, you're in for a real treat with this sequel. I don't want to ruin it for you but let's just say there's a surprise at one part of the movie - it's very unexpected. That's all I'm going to say!).

Happy movie watching!

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