Don Jon 
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, Brie Larson, Rob Brown, Jeremy Luke
Directed by: Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Rated: R
Run Time: 90 mins
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Opens September 27th
By Lisa Minzey of The Reel Critic.com
Hey Phoenix Film Fans! Opening this week is a film that has been gathering quite a bit of buzz thanks to Sundance, which its first cut was given an NC-17 rating. Joseph Gordon-Levitt pulls triple duty in his directorial debut, taking on lead actor, writer AND Director. How does he fare? Read on to find out.
Good naturedly dubbed “Don Jon” by his friends, Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) is a man all about high standards. From the way he takes care of his body, to the car he drives to the women he dates, Jon has a particular way of living life, on his terms, with no apologies. Although he is not lacking in getting women to date him, Jon is unfulfilled when it comes to matters of the bedroom. No one can get him more satisfied than himself, in front of his computer, watching pornography. When he starts dating Barbara (Scarlett Johansson) he tries to be a better man; the only qualm he has is that he can’t quit the porn. When his relationship with Barbara hangs in the balance, will Jon be able to grow up and quit the porn of continue his life as is?
Taking the traditional romantic comedy and flipping it on its head, Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s freshmen entry into the directorial world is nothing but ingenious. Although the film does have quite a bit of pornographic references and gratuitous sex scenes, it's a refreshing look at what can be a stale genre. Not only does Gordon-Levitt pull off some impressive direction, his performance as the narcissistic, sex obsessed Jon. Jon is reminiscent of a less obtrusive character from “The Jersey Shore”; this version is the one you actually root for rather than gawk in mock-horror. The palpable chemistry between the rest of the cast members is entertaining and enjoyable. Just a word to the wise, this is not a film that is suitable for small children, so it’s best to leave the little ones at home for this one. Be sure to catch “Don Jon” when it opens in theaters starting Friday September 27, 2013.
