Every time a classic is remade into a motion film, expectations are high and diehard fans of the novel usually prepare for disappointment. So, when the new, highly anticipated version of The Great Gatsby was finally released, fans flooded into theatres, impressed by the flashy trailer and cast but unsure of how this would even have a chance to live up to one of their favorite books. However, with a knockout cast, beautiful sets, and exceptional computer generated imagery, the Gatsby film was nowhere near disappointing.

Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an eccentric mystery man with only one woman as he holds onto a love that has not been recognized for nearly 5 years. Unfortunately, Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan) has been since married to another high society manly man, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton). In a world absorbed by material things and status, Gatsby and Daisy reconnect and enter an affair.

The movie undoubtedly followed the book, but based upon how you imagined it as you read; it could appear over- the- top. The mood was an accurate representation of the book, but sometimes, the dramatics became silly when it was supposed to be sad or suspenseful.

An aspect of this film that made it really enjoyable was the visual appeal- the colors were brighter, the decorations were more elaborate, and this made the ginormous parties taking place in the film that much crazier. Gatsby showed Project X how it’s done with his weekly festivities.

The newest Gatsby not only exceeded the past films, but it set the bar for future movies based on a classic novel.