The Great Gatsby (2013)

Something’s missing. I can’t quite put my finger on why this film doesn’t work nearly as well as it should, but the fact of it is there for all to see (or not see, given this one met with a disappointing reception in theaters). Too many unsympathetic characters? Perhaps. Fitzgerald wasn’t enamored with humanity when he turned out this story, that’s for sure. I guess folks aren’t that thrilled to be told that their species sucks, especially those members of it who live high on the hog. You can’t blame the cast, all of whom acquit themselves quite well. Maybe this story is just too difficult for most people to get into--and, for that matter, to be made into a really good film.