Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps, the follow-up to Oliver Stone’s iconic 80s film, arrives more than two decades after Gordon Gekko’s infamous “greed is good” speech. Picking up after Gekko’s prison term for insider trading, the sequel attempts to recapture the zeitgeist but in a post-2008 financial crash world. We find Gekko, played once again by Michael Douglas, entering a vastly changed Wall Street. He soon encounters Jake Moore (Shia LaBeouf), an ambitious young broker and, coincidentally, the boyfriend of Gekko’s estranged daughter, Winnie (Carey Mulligan). Seeing an opportunity, Gekko subtly begins to mentor Jake, seemingly to help him climb the Wall Street ladder. However, true to form, Gekko’s motives are far from altruistic, setting the stage for a narrative that mirrors the original film’s themes of ambition, betrayal, and the seductive, yet destructive, power of money. The film tries to present an alternate reality reflecting the very real financial turmoil of 2008, an event still fresh in the minds of many.
The initial moments of Money Never Sleeps are undeniably compelling. Michael Douglas effortlessly slips back into the skin of Gordon Gekko, making his re-emergence onto the modern financial scene captivating. The film cleverly positions Gekko as almost a relic, a once-feared titan now navigating a landscape populated by even more ruthless and contemporary financial predators. The introduction of new characters also injects fresh energy. Shia LaBeouf embodies the eager, fast-talking Wall Street hustler, while Carey Mulligan portrays Winnie Gekko with a nuanced blend of vulnerability and resolve. Even veteran actor Frank Langella makes a poignant appearance as a broker left adrift by the financial crisis. These performances, however strong, can only carry the film so far.
Where Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps falters significantly is in its pacing and plot development, ultimately becoming a rather tedious watch. Despite an intriguing setup, the narrative momentum stalls, and the film struggles to maintain engagement. Unlike the original Wall Street, which offered a relatively accessible entry point into the world of high finance, Money Never Sleeps plunges viewers deep into complex financial jargon and assumes a pre-existing understanding of Wall Street mechanics and the intricacies of the 2008 crash. For viewers without this specialized knowledge, the rapid-fire dialogue and intricate financial maneuvering can be alienating and confusing. Even for those with some financial literacy, the film’s dense narrative can be overwhelming, making it difficult to fully invest in the unfolding drama. The plot, while attempting to be relevant and timely, ultimately feels lackluster and fails to truly captivate, even when the stakes are supposedly high. For a film clocking in at over two hours, it frustratingly meanders without delivering a truly impactful or memorable story.
In conclusion, Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps is not a terrible film; it simply lacks the spark and substance to leave a lasting impression. While boasting commendable performances and Oliver Stone’s signature directorial flair, evident in the film’s slick, modern aesthetic, these elements are not enough to compensate for a meandering and ultimately unengaging plot. The film hints at relevant themes of greed and financial irresponsibility in a new era, but it ultimately fails to say anything truly profound or offer a compelling narrative. Once the credits roll, Money Never Sleeps fades quickly from memory, proving that even with the allure of Wall Street and the promise that money never sleeps, a film needs more than just a familiar title to truly resonate.
