Wall Street (1987)

The film offers a radical critique of the capitalist trading mentality and the value system that places the deal above all else. Michael Douglas delivers a chilling, convincing performance as the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko.

Stylish morality tale with strong performances, especially Michael Douglas as Gekko; neurotic camera movements fit the theme.

The review acknowledges ambivalence in Stone's attack on 1980s excess, noting Gekko emerges as a complex, charismatic villain whose appeal undercuts the moralizing. It singles out the dynamic camerawork and supporting performances for praise while criticizing the blunt, melodramatic narrative and lack of complexity in the protagonist.

The review calls Wall Street one of Stone's more tolerable efforts for capturing the period's material excesses, though it faults the heavy-handed morality tale and simplistic character arcs. It singles out the intoxicating fiscal-speak and Douglas's compelling 'greed is good' speech as making sin more attractive than the sermon against it.

Stone's Wall Street is an upscale morality tale about ambition and greed that entertains achievers while touching on moral centers. The standout is Michael Douglas's witty, charming portrayal of the ruthless corporate raider Gordon Gekko.

The film is a slick, fast-paced entertainment with razzle-dazzle but becomes preachy and thin, bottoming out as simplistic moralizing. Michael Douglas's ferocious performance as Gekko is a highlight amid the moral bankruptcy.

The critic finds the film dramatically inept with muddled moralising, seduced by the luxurious lives it condemns, though it has corny melodrama elements.

The critic praises Oliver Stone's energetic indictment of 1980s yuppie greed and corporate raiding, noting how Michael Douglas's charismatic performance as Gordon Gekko turned the villain into an unlikely icon. The film's absorbing portrayal of a young broker's moral descent is highlighted as compelling despite its unsubtle caricatures.

The review finds the film a riveting insider's look at the investment world that should perform well at the box office, but criticizes it as over-inflated with verbal essays and undermined by a clunky late plot. It singles out Michael Douglas's terrifying performance as the amoral corporate raider for particular praise.

The critic calls it a compelling morality tale that skewers 1980s yuppie materialism while delivering an insider's view of Wall Street. Michael Douglas's seductive, scene-stealing turn as Gordon Gekko is singled out as the film's highlight.

The film is a perfect embodiment of the 1980s and remains salient today, with plenty to enjoy despite some dated elements. Michael Douglas’s Oscar-winning performance as Gordon Gekko dominates, though the story’s redemption arc is a key weakness.